Egyptian liberal party to boycott elections

[alp227]

The liberal Egyptian party co-founded by Egypt's wealthiest businessman, mobile phone and media tycoon Naguib Sawiris, has announced it will boycott elections to the upper house claiming "hundreds" of violations by the Islamist parties who have dominated voting thus far.

The move comes as Egyptians begin the final round of voting on Tuesday for elections to Egypt's lower house which will nominate the key body to write the country's new constitution.

The latest round of voting – the third since November – is expected to confirm the electoral domination of Egypt's new political landscape by the Muslim Brotherhood and the ultra-conservative Salafist parties, who together look likely to win just over 60% of votes.

The boycott threat was delivered as Sawiris, a Coptic Christian from the country's wealthiest family, was told he faces trial for blasphemy over an online cartoon he tweeted from his account last June depicting Mickey Mouse with an Islamic beard and a veiled Minnie Mouse.

full:http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/jan/10/egypt-liberal-party-boycott-elections

[riderinthestorm]

1. You can't influence anything if you sit out. But voting irregularities must be addressed

Sounds like the Islamists are blowing off concerns about the voting issues which is a baaaad harbinger imho. Meanwhile violence against Copts and other religious minorities is escalating. Added on top of that the liberal elements that actually spearheaded the revolution are being marginalized.

Not a pretty picture by any means. K&R for an important story

[bemildred]

2. He should just suspend his campaign. nt

[cheapdate]

3. Seems like whenever a group does this they usually regret it later. n/t