A SPLM official said his party will not object to a possible extension of voter registration period but the referendum polls have to start on January 9, 2010.
SPLM spokesperson Yan Matthew told SCR News that it is up to the Southern Sudan Referendum Commission to decide whether to extend the enrolment period for the vote.Mr. Yan said that whatever decisions the commission takes, the vote has to start on January 9, 2011.
Mr. Yan said the turn out in the South is very good while in the North there are very few southerners registering because they fear that their votes will be rigged.
Mr. Yan dismissed NCP accusations that the SPLM is threatening Southerners to stay away from referendum centres in the North.
He said southerners do not register because the environment in the North is not conducive for a free and fair referendum.