Egypt has been wracked by political tension for months

Spokesman Sameh Ashour said the decision was taken because of concerns the polls would not be free and fair, AFP news agency reported.

It comes days after President Mohammed Morsi announced the timing of the elections, to be held over four dates.

Judges dissolved the previous assembly, saying polls were unconstitutional.

The first round of voting in Cairo and four other provinces is due to be held on 22 April.

In the last elections, in January 2012, Islamist parties won a majority.

Egypt has since been deeply divided between Islamists and a liberal and secular opposition.

Mr Morsi announced new polls last weekend. NSF leader Mohamed ElBaradei swiftly called for a boycott, branding fresh elections an “act of deception”.

Mr Ashour said the NSF had unanimously decided to endorse Mr ElBaradei’s call.

He said the alliance would also stay away from a meeting to promote national dialogue called by President Morsi, describing it as an insult to protesters killed in recent clashes.

More than 70 people were killed in violence between security forces and protesters following the second anniversary of the revolution which forced Hosni Mubarak from power.

via BBC News – Egypt opposition to boycott polls.

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