Bahrain's largest opposition group Al Wefaq National Islamic Society warned its members and supporters on Sunday not to take part in the parliamentary and municipal elections next month or else their membership will be cancelled.
The group's senior leader Shaikh Hussain Al Daihi said in a statement that the membership of those who go against the society' s stance and contest in the elections stands will be revoked.
The statement came after society member Mirza Abdulnabi showed up at the Northern Governorate Saturday night to file his candidacy as an independent candidate, who later on Sunday said in a statement that he was withdrawing his nomination without giving any reasons.
Hundreds of candidates, including women, have joined the elections to win parliament and municipal seats in the four governorates, and the elections will be held on November 22.
Along with Al Wefaq, other political parties such as the Democratic Progressive Tribune, the National Democratic Action Society, Al Ekha National Society and the National Democratic Assembly, which refer to themselves collectively as the National Democratic Opposition Parties, signed a declaration last week stating their intention to boycott the polls.
The group first made an announcement in May that it would boycott the elections because it believed that the government has failed to deal with several issues including claims of political naturalization, distribution of electoral districts and vesting parliament with more powers.