US urges Egyptian opposition to participate in elections

The main opposition group, the National Salvation Front, announced that it would boycott the elections The US Statement Department has urged Egyptian opposition parties to participate in upcoming elections, after they declared a boycott on the vote. The main opposition group, the liberal and secular National Salvation Front, announced on Tuesday that it would boycott the elections – a move likely to add to Egypt's continuing political instability.
Spokesman for the department, Edgar Vasquez, said the US is encouraging all Egyptian parties and potential candidates to compete in the staggered vote, which is due to take place on April 22. He says the elections offer Egyptians an opportunity to have their voices heard.
In response opposition parties have asserted that the decision for a boycott is final.
Essam Shiha, member of the National Salvation Front told Arabstoday that the parties decision is “unanimously and irreversible”, insisting that the US has no right to interfere in Egyptian politics.
This latest move by the US has sparked similar controversy among Egypt’s ruling class, with many officials accusing the US of unnecessarily interfering in the country’s affairs.
According to local media reports, Egyptian officials are claiming that the US State Department’s announcement is a bid to embarrass Egyptian leader Mohammed Morsi after he allegedly snubbed President Barack Obama’s invitation to visit the US earlier this week.
However, a statement issued by the US State Department made no mention of any invitations.
"President Obama urged Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi to protect democratic principles in Egypt, and reaffirmed the United States' strong support for the Egyptians, as they continue the transition towards democracy,” read the statement.
Norhan Sheikh, an political science academic in Egypt, told Arabstoday  that the success of the parliamentary elections are in the interests of the US, which is “betting on a second term for the Muslim Brotherhood”. He called on all opposition parties to take part in the ballot, so the results do not end up so “predictable”.
Sheikh also confirmed that the US Secretary of State John Kerry is due to visit Egypt March 10, to meet opposition leaders and persuade them to participate in the elections. He will meet with foreign organisations in charge of monitoring the fairness of the process.