Another Egyptian party to boycott constitutional referendum

Another prominent Egyptian opposition group says it will boycott the vote on the country’s newly-amended constitution, following the arrest of several of its members.

The Strong Egypt Party, founded by former presidential candidate, Abdel Moneim Abol Fotouh, said on Monday that it will boycott the referendum after many of its members were arrested during a protest against the charter.

Party Secretary-General Ahmed Salem said the decision is in response to “very negative indications” in recent days including the arrest of at least seven party members for hanging posters sponsoring a “No” vote.

He said a vicious government-sponsored campaign is under way to approve the new constitution.

The group decided that it will not also take part in any protests during the voting process set for January 14 and 15.

This is while the Muslim Brotherhood, which has been leading protests demanding the reinstatement of former president, Mohamed Morsi, has already stated that it will boycott the “illegitimate” vote and is planning protests during the next two days.

On January 8, Egypt’s April 6 Youth Movement boycotted the constitutional referendum, citing lack of necessary conditions for a fair electoral process.

Egypt has been experiencing unrelenting violence since July 3, 2013, when the army ousted Morsi’s government, suspended the constitution and dissolved the parliament. It also appointed the head of the Supreme Constitutional Court, Adly Mahmoud Mansour, as the new interim president.