New Delhi: As he demitted office, Chief Election Commissioner J M Lyngdoh today (Feb 6, 2004) said not all political leaders would disagree with his description of politicians as a "cancer", which cannot be cured.

"No, I don't think all of them don't like the language. Some of them like it, I suppose. But they have to pretend not to like it," he told reporters in the midst of his farewell function, when asked if he felt that his controversial remarks about politicians would be acceptable to them.

On reports that he might be sent to Afghanistan or Iraq to help conduct elections there, Lyngdoh indicated his willingness to take up such an assignment.

"I see India playing a big role. I see the Indian Election Commission playing a big role," he said. When asked pointedly if he was not averse to such an assignment, he said, "If I can..."