King Gyanendra announced on Sunday that general elections would be held in Nepal before mid-May next year.

Speaking in a public address broadcast on state television and radio, the king called on Nepal's political parties and other groups to help create a suitable environment to hold the polls.

"The elections must be free," he said.

King Gyanendra fired the elected government in late 2002, saying it was not competent to tackle an ongoing revolt by Maoists and named a loyalist administration in its place.

The government had earlier pledged elections around November but set no definite date.

"We... call on all concerned to create an environment wherein the governance of the country can be handed over to elected representatives by initiating elections to the House of Representatives within the year 2061," the king said.

The Nepali year 2061 ends mid-May next year.