KATHMANDU: Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba said the government could not hold any election unless it forged a national consensus among major political forces in the nation.

Speaking at a function in Kathmandu today, the main opposition leader said the government could not hold local elections by December this year as it announced in the annual policy and programme.

"The commission formed to restructure local bodies is set to complete its assignment in February-March next year," Deuba questioned, "So, does the government want to hold the election just for the sake of it?"

He demanded that the government fix the dates for local, provincial and federal elections in consultation with major parties after reaching a national consensus.

He denied accusations that the largest political party in the incumbent Parliament was running away from the elections.

Meanwhile, Deuba accused the ruling coalition parties of trying to impose a totalitarian rule under the guise of republicanism and democracy.

Speaking at the function, NC senior leader Ram Chandra Paudel also stressed the need of the national consensus to solve the issues facing the nation.

He accused the ruling parties of clinging to power than implementing the Constitution.