Bahrain bans the largest opposition party ahead of vote

A Bahraini court has suspended the activities of al-Wefaq, the country’s main opposition party, ahead of the upcoming parliamentary elections in the Persian Gulf state.

The Manama administrative court on Tuesday imposed the three-month ban on al-Wefaq after it threatened to boycott the November 22 elections.

The opposition party dismissed the ruling as “irrational and irresponsible”, saying, "The tyrannical dictatorship in Bahrain is ruling with an iron fist and moving to destroy the political and social life by blocking the people out."

Eligible voters in the country will elect members of the 40-seat Council of Representatives in Bahrain next month for the first time after the beginning of anti-regime protests in the country.

In 2011, al-Wefaq pulled 18 of its representatives out of parliament after a deadly regime crackdown on Shia protesters demanding reforms in the country.

The Bahraini opposition has been demanding the formation of a constitutional monarchy, an independent election commission, as well as the appointment of a prime minister by parliamentary majority instead of the king.

Al-Wefaq is also seeking the dissolution of the upper chamber of parliament, or the Consultative Council, which has the power to block legislation by the lower house.

Bahrain’s National Assembly is made up of two chambers. The lower house has 40 elected members and the upper house has 40 members appointed by the king.

Since mid-February 2011, thousands of anti-regime protesters have held numerous demonstrations in the streets of Bahrain, calling for political reforms.

Shia Muslims comprise the majority of Bahrain’s population. They have, however, long complained about what they called being discriminated against by the Bahraini regime when it comes to employment opportunities and the right to services.