Egypt opposition to boycott elections

CONTROVERSIAL VOTE. Egypt's Islamist President Mohamed Morsi waves to his supporters in front of the presidential palace in Cairo on November 23, 2012. AFP PHOTO/STR

CAIRO, Egypt - Egypt's main opposition coalition, the National Salvation Front, said Tuesday, February 27, it will boycott upcoming parliamentary elections due to a lack of guarantees of a transparent process.

"The decision of the Front, unanimously, is to boycott the elections," member Sameh Ashour told reporters after a meeting of the NSF, which groups mainly liberal and leftists parties and movements.

Ashour said the decision came after its demands, including the formation of a new government "to save the country", had been ignored.

He said the lack of guarantees for a transparent process also contributed to the coalition's decision.

The NSF said it would also boycott a national dialogue called for by Islamist President Mohamed Morsi, which was to be aired live on television on Tuesday afternoon according to the presidency.

The staggered parliamentary elections are due to begin on April 22 and end two months later. - Rappler.com