KABUL, Feb 1: Afghan President Hamid Karzai's spokesman admitted on Tuesday that parliamentary elections which are scheduled to be held before the end of May be delayed.

"I can't rule out, either way, whether it is postponed or if they will stick to the original date - I'm not sure," spokesman Jawed Ludin said at a press conference, referring to the polls.

Confusion has reigned over the date of the parliamentary, provincial and district elections, particularly in the absence of any firm official statement. Electoral authorities said last year that the voting should take place before the end of the Afghan month of Saur - May 20 in the western calendar.

But analysts expect it will be postponed at least for a month since the authorities have failed to meet a deadline to define electoral boundaries 120 days before the vote.

The date would be decided by a nine-member independent electoral commission, which was appointed by Mr Karzai on Jan 19, Mr Ludin said. He added that the definition of district boundaries was nearly completed.

"I can tell you that an announcement on that can be expected soon," he added, without setting a date. Diplomatic sources said Mr Karzai was keen to hold elections as soon as possible, but a delay remained probable.

"There is still a lot of work to be done," one western observer said. "Some political parties want the electoral laws to be changed and the boundaries still need to be defined."

He added: "The voting system might be changed, and there are still four provinces where a pre-census (of population) is not over." Another Kabul-based foreign expert associated with the electoral process said: "Most specialists in Kabul are now forecasting that the polls will be held in July."

Analysts rule out an August poll, saying it coincides with the rotation of Nato-led peacekeeping troops and would create a security hazard. In September and October, weather conditions worsen in mountainous central and northern regions.

The peacekeepers, who are responsible for security in Kabul and nine northern provinces, said last week they need to know the date of the polls as soon as possible to make plans.

The government also faces a funding challenge for the ballot, which according to United Nations estimates could cost up to 130 million dollars. Afghanistan held its first presidential election last October, with President Karzai winning a landslide victory. -AFP