"We are giving topmost priority to reconstitution of the EC. We work together as to how the EC be reconstituted within the shortest possible time," he said during a briefing at the secretariat yesterday.

The information adviser observed that reconstitution of the EC is a very difficult job as the government cannot sack or remove the chief election commissioner (CEC) or the election commissioners constitutionally. "We desire they will resign voluntarily..

. How long we could keep them on leave. This is really a crisis".

Urging the political parties to sit across the table, he said they should say as to how the job could be done in a proper manner.

"It is unfortunate that some of the political parties are not interested to discuss the matter with the EC although they have been pressing the matter."

The adviser feels that the caretaker government should not go for holding election before the proposed voter-ID cards are prepared.

Terming ID card a national issue, he said the issue will be discussed with the political parties.

"Until getting their opinion, we cannot proceed with the voter-ID-card project," he said, adding there could be national ID card instead of voter ID card if the political parties agreed.

The adviser said the caretaker government has to work within its limitations.