Manila, April 27 -- The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Monday said holding the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) next year would be challenging.

"It looks like it will be difficult," Comelec Chairperson George Garcia said in a Viber message to reporters. He did not elaborate.

Garcia earlier said the poll body prefers to hold the BSKE this year to allow sufficient time to prepare for the May 2028 National and Local Elections.

The BSKE is currently scheduled for Nov. 2, but there have been calls to postpone it to late next year.

Garcia said the Comelec is willing to participate in congressional deliberations if invited.

"We will give our full participation during the deliberations of the House of Representatives ...