Nov 15, 2009
JUBA, Sudan (Reuters) - South Sudan's leading political party appealed on Sunday for more time for voters to register for the country's first multi-party elections in 24 years, already tainted by allegations of fraud.

The April 2010 elections are a key part of Sudan's 2005 north-south peace deal which ended more than 20 years of conflict. Preparations have been hampered by delays and irregularities, contributing to tension between the former foes.

Registration began on November 1 for a 30-day period, but a lack of information and, with mobile registration centres moving every few days, the process has been slow and confused.

The Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM), which dominates the semi-autonomous southern government, criticised the National Elections Commission (NEC) for the "absence of a serious awareness campaign ... to mobilise people to register".

In a statement, the SPLM urged the NEC "to extend by at least two weeks the period for voter registration".

The NEC said it was considering extension requests.

Sudan's political parties have all accused each other of vote-buying and faking voter registration.

"There have been insufficient funds released, causing delays in logistics," senior SPLM official Anne Itto told Reuters on Sunday.