On 11 November, the Deputy Secretary General of Bahrain dissolved the Shia-majority political party Al-Wefaq National Islamic Society, according to the opposition bloc who have unanimously agreed to boycott upcoming parliamentary election alongside several activist groups.

Deputy of the National Islamic Society Sheikh Hussain al-Daihi says Bahrain has become “increasingly suffocating” in light of the ruling Al Khalifah dynasty, which frequently disregards the demands of the public and has been responsible for violating human rights.

He added that Bahraini authorities are making preparations for the opening of the Israeli embassy in Manama, stressing that the diplomatic mission would only serve as a “den for Israeli espionage” and would essentially endanger the region.

Daihi further noted that Bahrain’s monarchy had kept Bahrain impoverished by keeping a monopoly on its national assets. He remarked that around 47 percent of the population is in poverty as a result of Bahrain’s current legal system.

“What is happening nowadays in Bahrain is outrageously insane. Candidates take great pride in having the chance to serve the Al Khalifah regime than the nation should they get elected,” Daihi said.

In late October, a report came out, entitled “You Can’t Say Bahrain is a Democracy: Bahrain’s Political Isolation Laws” highlighting Bahrain’s use of political isolation in 2018, by preventing political opponents and activists from serving on boards of civil institutions and running for parliament seats.

The report sheds light on how the Bahraini government targets marginalized opposition figures in social, political, civic, and economic sectors, most of whom have their civil rights violated, and stresses that Manama should repeal its political isolation laws, ending practices that violate human rights.

These practices include Bahraini courts and authorities denying legal counsel to political opponents that are convicted without viable evidence or cause, which has resulted in the government neglecting the political and civil rights of Bahraini citizens.