AMMAN: Jordan's largest opposition group warns it will step up its campaign against next week's parliamentary elections and against reforms pursued by King Abdullah II.

The Jan. 23 vote could set the stage for a possible showdown between Abdullah and the opposition, led by the Islamic Action Front, the political arm of the powerful Muslim Brotherhood.

The IAF insisted in a press conference on Tuesday that it renounces violence as a means of coming to power. It also says it's sticking to its boycott of the elections.

IAF leader Hamza Mansour says a rally planned for Friday by both the Brotherhood and liberal youth groups is expected to gather thousands.

A similar protest in October drew about 7,000 people even though organizers had called for half a million to turn out.