The general elections in Pakistan might be delayed till next year, an official of the country’s top electoral authority told BBC News on Wednesday.

“The elections will be held once the census is done, which will take about four months’ time,” a Election Commission of Pakistan official told the British media. “As a result, the elections may be delayed till next year.”

His comments came on the day when President Arif Alvi signed the summary to dissolve the National Assembly, which signed off with Leader of House Shehbaz Sharif’s speech.

Elections in Pakistan are expected to be held this year but the Council of Common Interests decision to notify the results of census 2023 increased the likelihood of polls delay.