The Election Commission on Wednesday directed election officers deployed for the second phase of local level elections slated for July 28 to not leave the concerned village councils or municipalities.

The election body issued the directive amid reports that the election officers have started moving out of the deputed village councils or municipalities.

The election body has deputed 461 under secretary level election officers for the second phase of local polls.

Earlier, the second phase of local polls was scheduled for June 14. Later, the elections were rescheduled for June 23 and again for June 28.

According to EC spokesperson Surya Prasad Sharma, the office had also sent a letter to the election officers to inform the election body before leaving the concerned village councils or municipalities.