World Bulletin / News Desk

The Strong Egypt Party has backtracked on an earlier decision to participate in this week's constitutional referendum, saying it would shun the vote over "grave violations" by the interim authorities.

Party secretary-general Ahmed Salem said the new decision came to protest what he described as vicious government-sponsored campaign to approve the new charter.

The party, founded by former presidential contender Abdel-Moneim Abul-Fotouh, initially urged Egyptians to vote against the amended version of Egypt's 2012 constitution.

Announcing the boycott decision during a press conference, Salem asserted that the party would not take part in any demonstrations or rallies during the two-day voting.

Amending the constitution is a central pillar of a roadmap for political transition imposed by the army after its ouster of elected president Mohamed Morsi on July 3.

Egypt's military-backed interim authorities have promised a free and transparent vote, to be supervised by judicial officials and international and local polling observers.

Salem cited, however, "very negative indications" in recent days including the arrest of at least seven party members for hanging posters sponsoring a "No"' vote.