The National Association for Change (NAC) on Wednesday announced it would boycott upcoming parliamentary elections slated for November. “We now know for a fact that the government won't allow guarantees for fair elections,” said former NAC coordinator Hassan Nafea, pointing to the ruling National Democratic Party's rejection earlier this week of recommendations submitted by a four-party opposition coalition aimed at ensuring transparent elections. In a related development, NAC leaders appointed Abdel Gelil Mustafa to replace Nafea, who had earlier asked to be relieved of his position within the organization. Nafea denied reports that Mohamed ElBaradei, NAC founder and would-be presidential contender, had anything to do with the decision. “ElBaradei doesn't interfere in the management of the association,” he said, adding that he planned to maintain his general membership in the NAC. “I will continue to call for political change in my capacity as member.” Nafea went on to urge all Egyptian opposition parties and political forces to likewise boycott upcoming parliamentary races. “They shouldn't give the government the opportunity to rig the elections,” he said. Translated from the Arabic Edition.
