Dhangadhi, December 13:

Chief Election Commissioner Bhojraj Pokhrel today said the “situation” was to be blamed for deferral of the election to constituent assembly.

Speaking at a press conference organised in Dhangadhi, he said, “Who is to blame? The situation is to be blamed for deferral of the polls.”

“If there is no change in the prevailing system and procedure, the CA polls can be held within ninety days,” he said, adding, “We already have law, regulation and directives for necessary for the polls, so we can start preparation for the election at any time.” “We can use most of the election related printed materials if the polls are announced at the earliest. However, the EC is always ready for technical preparations,” he said.

“People are eagerly awaiting for the CA elections and the political parties have to announce date for the election on consensus,” he further said.

When asked if CA election could be held by mid-April, he said it depended on the played by the political parties. “I am optimistic regarding this matter,” he said.

“The nation should be led towards political outlet and peace by announcing the CA election date at the earliest,” he said.

CEC Pokhrel had arrived here in connection with a three-day seminar organised for election officials of Far-western development region, that ended today.