KATHMANDU: Top Republican leaders have urged President Donald Trump to not defer the presidential election scheduled to be held in November.

Earlier, Trump had put forward a proposal saying that November’s presidential election should be delayed over alleged fraud concerns.

The president suggested that increased postal voting could lead to fraud and inaccurate results.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy both dismissed the idea.

Trump does not have the authority to postpone the election, as any delay would have to be approved by Congress.

He floated a delay until people could “properly, securely and safely” vote. There is little evidence to support Mr Trump’s claims but he has long railed against postal voting, which he has said would be susceptible to fraud.

US states want to make mail-in voting easier because of public health concerns over the coronavirus pandemic.

(With inputs from Agencies)