The number of parties registered to contest the April elections in Southern Sudan should not go over 20, an official said.
Ananias Modi Lolik is the Chief Returning Officer for Southern Sudan High Committee. He is in charge of the Electoral Register in Southern Sudan and has the mandate to organize the polling and counting of votes in the region.
Mr. Modi told SCR News that there are between 15 and 20 parties to dispute the general elections in Southern Sudan.
On October 1 2009, in the whole of the Sudan there were 76 parties registered in the Political Parties Affairs Council.
Mr. Modi added that candidates for geographical constituency seats have to fill their own nomination forms in person while parties submit candidates for women and party lists.
Mr. Modi reminded that candidates for the presidency of Sudan and Southern Sudan and for governorship have to be at least 40 years old while contestants for the legislative assemblies have to be 21 or over.
He explained that applications will be screened by state high commissions and the final forms sent the National Elections Commission in Khartoum.
Applications have to be submitted during 11 days from January 12 to 22.