The main opposition CPN-UML has warned the government not to make alterations on the dates of upcoming federal and provincial elections.

A UML Standing Committee meeting held at party headquarters in Dhumbarahi on Thursday criticised the government of willing to defer polls date in the pretext of Wednesday's Supreme Court ruling.

The apex court, yesterday, had ordered the Election Commission (EC) to ensure separate ballot papers for the federal and provincial elections under the first-past-the-post system raising questions whether the scheduled polls could be conducted on time.

“The ballot paper prepared by the EC doesn’t bar voters from making use of their constitutional, legal and fundamental rights. Voters can select political party as per their choice," a statement issued by UML Secretary reads, "Moreover, there is no issue related with secrecy of the voters.” 

The UML statement has further stated that the nominations for the first phase of polls in 32 districts have been already completed and hence the party won’t accept deferral in polls date in any pretext.

The EC has scheduled first phase of provincial and federal polls for November 26. 702 candidates are in the fray for the federal parliament and provincial assemblies.