KATHMANDU: Chief Election Commissioner Ayodhee Prasad Yadav has said the second phase local election date slated for June 14 should not be changed.

CEC Yadav's comment regarding the election date comes at a time when there are talks of preponing the second phase local election before May 29, the constitutionally predetermined date for the government to announce the annual budget and its policy and programme. The Chief Election Commissioner said this speaking in the face-to-face programme organised by Reporters Club Nepal here today.

He made it clear that the Election Commission was not going to intervene in the change of government or stop the government from bringing the budget. "The government can bring the budget, but it must be in accordance with the election code of conduct," he stressed.

CEC Yadav reiterated that election is a must for freeing the country of the transition, and nobody should desist from the main task of having the election organised on the stipulated date.