4 Political Groups Say They’ll Boycott Elections

Four main political groups said they will boycott Bahrain’s first parliamentary elections in 28 years to protest measures giving an appointed body a role equal to that of parliament.

Bahrain’s constitution was amended this year to give the appointed Shura rights on a level with those of the parliament, which will be elected Oct. 24.

The groups--the National Democratic Action Society, the National Democratic Society, Alwefaq National Islamic Society and the Islamic Action Society--announced their boycott in a joint statement but said they might reconsider if the situation changed.