• The Shia-majority nation suppressed a 2011 anti-government rebellion backed by the Shia Muslim community.
• Polling stations began at 8am local time on Saturday on the island state.
• The place is ruled by Sunni-ruled al-Bahrain.

Bahrain held parliamentary elections amid “political persecution” after dissolving opposition organizations and cracking down on dissent.

Polling stations began at 8am local time (05:00 GMT) on Saturday on the island state, which suppressed a 2011 anti-government rebellion backed by the Shia-Muslim community, which has complained of discrimination.

Amnesty International criticized “extremely restrictive regulations” that bar members of banned opposition organizations and those with longer jail terms.

Amnesty International said holding elections won’t change Bahrain’s climate of repression and human rights violations.

Bahrain, which has jailed dozens, including opposition leaders, said 344,713 people may vote, down from 365,467 in 2018.

More than 500 candidates, including 94 women, are running for 40 parliamentary and 30 municipal seats, authorities said.

The London-based Bahrain Institute for Rights and Democracy called the vote a “sham,” adding that legislation linking voter inclusion with previous election participation appeared to target boycotters.

Bahraini authorities deny human rights violations and maintain elections are democratic.

Its parliament includes the elected Council of Representatives and the king-appointed Shura Council.

Bahrain is a small oil producer and home to the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet.

Rich neighbors bailed it out in 2018 with a $10bn rescue package attached to budgetary changes by 2024. In 2021, its debt was 130% of GDP.

Higher oil prices have improved Bahrain’s fiscal prospects. The country plans to boost non-oil GDP by 5% this year and generate 20,000 jobs annually for the next two years.

Bahrain’s 1.5 million Shia complain of discrimination in jobs and government services. Iran denies the notion that it foments unrest.
The interior ministry said hackers hacked official websites.

The government didn’t name these websites, although the Bahrain News Agency and parliament websites were inaccessible.

Later, Bahrain’s election website was inaccessible internationally.

“Websites are being targeted to impede elections and spread harmful sentiments in desperate attempts,” the interior ministry stated.

Screenshots after the attack indicated an account called al-Toufan, meaning “The Flood” in Arabic.

Al-social Toufan’s media pages reported the organization tried to take down the parliament’s website “due to Bahraini authorities’ persecution and the popular resolve to boycott the fake elections.”

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