King of Bahrain urges societies not to boycott elections

The King of Bahrain Sheikh Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa on Saturday called on the Bahraini political forces to take part in the parliamentary elections in October, instead of the boycott declared by some of these elements.

In a statement to the Bahraini daily Al- Wasat in its first issue, the Bahraini King said that the participation of these forces in the elections will enable them to have their voices heard, noting " I do not want to interfere in the affairs of the societies, but it is better for the national forces to take part in the elections. To oppose is better than boycotting, because positive participation will enable the opposition to have its views reach the society and be properly perceived."

However, four main Bahraini political societies announced last week they will boycott the parliamentary elections which will be held on October 24 because of the amendments made on the constitution. Among these amendments are the giving of equal status to the Shoura council, an unelected body appointed by the government, to that of the elected part of the parliament in the area of legislative authorities.

The parliamentary elections in Bahrain are the first since the government in 1975 desolved the first elected council just two years after its foundation. The four societies are, the Islamic national reconciliation; the democratic national work, the democratic national coalition and the Islamic work ( under foundation).