KHARTOUM, Sudan, April 2 (UPI) -- Several leading opposition parties in Sudan say they have decided to boycott this month's presidential, parliamentary and municipal elections.
Following a meeting with U.S. envoy Scott Gration, the parties concluded Thursday the elections will be so flawed they don't want to participate, The New York Times reports.
Several human rights groups accuse Sudan's ruling National Congress Party of intimidating opponents, manipulating the media and bribing local chiefs.
President Omar Hassan al-Bashir threatened to cut off the fingers of Western election observers who advised postponing the April 11-13 election.
Among the boycotting parties is the Sudan People's Liberation Movement that serves in a national coalition with al-Bashir and his Congress party, Newstime Africa reports.
A BBC analysis of the boycott said it is intended to keep al-Bashir from an opportunity to legitimize his rule.
The Sudanese president has been indicted on war crime charges by the International Criminal Court.
