EU appeals to Bahrain opposition parties to end poll boycott

Several European Union nations have urged Bahrain's opposition societies to participate in next month's national elections.

The National Democratic Opposition societies recently announced they will boycott the legislative and municipal elections.

Ambassadors of Italy, France, Germany and Britain based in Bahrain said they "encouraged the participation of all political societies" in the "spirit of national reconciliation", the Gulf Daily News reported Friday.

"It is, therefore, with deep disappointment that the EU member states' ambassadors based in Bahrain note the Oct 11 announcement by the National Democratic Opposition societies," the British Embassy said in a statement.

"Given the regional situation, we believe it is imperative for rebuilding the trust and confidence necessary for stability and progress in Bahrain that all those committed to the democratic process participate in the elections.

"We, therefore, urge the National Democratic Opposition parties to reconsider their boycott."

National Unity Assembly political and international relations department head Salem Rajab said the election hopefuls might be put off running as independents because of the fear of attacks and backlash from opposition groups and their supporters.