Bahrain opposition to boycott election unless political deal reached

Bahrain's opposition parties will boycott parliamentary elections due to take place this year unless the government guarantees the vote will reflect the will of the people, a statement from the opposition said on Saturday. Bahrain, a base for the U.S. Navy's Fifth Fleet, has been in turmoil since protests led by Shi'ite Muslims erupted in 2011 after similar uprisings in Egypt and Tunisia. "The National Democratic Opposition Parties in Bahrain announced they are to boycott the coming Parliamentary elections unless a clear political agreement is reached," said the statement issued after a meeting at the headquarters of al Wefaq, the main opposition movement. "These elections must produce an elected government reflecting the will of the people, an independent judiciary and a security services that reflect Bahrain's diversity." The groups urged the international community to help them pursue a peaceful democratic transition. Read More http://ift.tt/1oVfPUv