Opposition to challenge Mubarak

Nour has registered, but other politicians are boycotting the vote

One of Egypt's leading opposition politicians, Ayman Nour, has applied to stand against President Hosni Mubarak in elections due in September.

It will be the first time the presidential poll has been open to more than one candidate.

President Mubarak is seeking a fifth six-year term.

Correspondents say Mr Nour has little chance of success after decades of authoritarian government and state influence in the media.

Mr Nour leads the liberal al-Ghad (Tomorrow) party.

The official news agency in Egypt said a third candidate, Osama Shaltout, of the little-known Takaful (Solidarity) party, had also applied to stand in the election.

Several opposition parties have said they will boycott the elections.

They argue that the election rules are weighted heavily against opposition and independent candidates and the vote will not be free and fair - accusations which the government has denied.