Bahrain warns NGOs against playing politics

MANAMA (AA) – Bahraini authorities on Saturday warned NGOs against playing politics, one month before the Gulf country’s parliamentary and municipal election.

In a statement, the Ministry of Labor and Social Development called on the NGOs to stay away from electoral campaigning for the polls, which are set to be held on Nov. 24.

“NGOs are not permitted to use their programs and activities to support candidates for legislative and local council as per the law,” the statement said.

Candidates can apply for the polls as of Oct. 17 for five days.

Around 349,713 voters are eligible to cast ballot in the vote to elect 39 members for the legislative council and 29 members of the municipal councils.

Bahrain has some 540 registered NGOs, according to official figures.