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CANBERRA - Prime Minister John Howard has ruled out delaying a federal election until next year.
Howard said he had not decided when to hold the federal election, but said it would not be next year.
"Well it has to be before the end of the year," Howard told ABC Radio.
Under commonwealth law, the election must be held by January 19, 2008, but must be called between 23 and 31 days before the nominated date.
"I'll have to decide at the appropriate time," Howard said.
He again denied he was considering retirement.
"As far as my own future is concerned - my position is as it was in 2001 and 2004," he said. "I'll stay in my position as long as my party wants me to and it's in the party's best interest that I do so."
- AAP
