premise: The admission of the country increases OPEC's total production to 32 million bpd, including Iraqi production which is excluded from the quota system.
  The cartel, whose members have 75 percent of proven oil reserves worldwide, will have an increased share of the world oil market of about 40 percent.
  
  An OPEC spokesman suggested Thursday that Sudan could join in March as a 13th member after approval from new president Omar al Bashir, while a membership bid by South American producer Ecuador must clear similar political obstacles.
  "Both Angola and Sudan feel that OPEC membership will give additional political benefit and protection, while for Ecuador there has to be an additional motive," said John Hall.
  "With the administration (in Ecuador) somewhat under the influence of President Chavez of Venezuela we can surely expect some more anti-US behaviour from yet another OPEC member."
   What process does "clear similar political obstacles" refer to?
hypothesis: admission of the country