BAHRAINI POLICE ARE staging a massive show of force across the Gulf island kingdom for highly charged parliamentary elections that Shiite-led opposition groups have vowed to boycott.
Riot police have set up checkpoints and patrols in key areas.
The heaviest security is around Pearl Square in the capital Manama, which was once the hub for Shiite protesters demanding greater rights from the ruling Sunny monarchs.
According to Al Jazeera, police have already blocked demonstrators on their march toward Pearl roundabout. Tear gas and bullets were used.
Pearl Square has seen a strong military presence since security forces stormed the protesters’ camp six months ago.
Saturday’s elections will fill 18 parliament seats abandoned by Shiite lawmakers to protest the harsh crackdowns. Main Shiite factions have vowed to boycott the voting in a message of defiance.
Shiites are the majority in Bahrain, but claim they face widespread discrimination. Protests began in February inspired by other Arab uprisings.
According to human rights groups, about 30 people have died since the protests began.
-Additional reporting by AP
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