Tehran, Aug 30, IRNA -- Head of Iran's `Parties House` Hassan Ghafuri-Fard said in Tehran on Monday there are currently more than 200 political parties and groups in the country. However, Ghafuri-Fard added that most of these parties are active only during the elections periods.

He said among the existing parties around 20 or 30 are nation-wide and the rest are regional.

Ghafuri-Fard said after the Islamic revolution up to 1991, the activity of political parties was limited due to the imposed war, but after that period many political parties and groups emerged.

He said 'Parties House` intend to institutionalize parties in Iran adding with the efforts of the organization and with the help of government and majlis the parties and groups have received totally 20 billion rials.

He went on to say that 8 billion rials from the amount was paid to political parties and 12 billion rials to social groups.

He expressed hope that the political parties could actively participate in the next year's presidential election.