Bahrain opposition plans boycott of election to fill parliament seats after walkout
\nBy Associated Press, Updated: Friday, August 12, 11:03 AM<\/p>\n
MANAMA, Bahrain \u2014 Bahrain\u2019s main Shiite opposition party will boycott next month\u2019s special parliamentary elections for seats left vacant by mass resignations to protest a crackdown on anti-government demonstrators, a senior opposition official said Friday.<\/p>\n
An election snub by the group Al Wefaq would be a serious blow to efforts by Bahrain\u2019s Sunni monarchy to portray stability in the strategic island kingdom, which is home to the U.S. Navy\u2019s 5th Fleet. But Bahrain remains bitterly divided after months of unrest and clashes between security forces and protesters seeking greater rights for the country\u2019s majority Shiites.<\/p>\n
Al Wefaq envoys walked out of reconciliation talks last month after claiming they were insulted by pro-government officials. The Sept. 24 ballot was called after Al Wefaq 18 lawmakers resigned in March \u2014 a month after Shiites began protests inspired by other Arab uprisings.<\/p>\n
Shiite\u2019s represent about 70 percent of the population, but are denied top political and security jobs. Protesters also demand that Bahrain\u2019s more than 200-year-old Sunni dynasty loosen its control on top government posts. More than 30 people have died and hundreds have been arrested or purged from jobs in the crackdown on the opposition.<\/p>\n
Moments after Al Wefaq official Khalil al-Marzooq announced the planned election boycott at a rally, the crowd chanted: \u201cNo going back after our sacrifices.\u201d …more<\/a><\/p>\n