Parliamentary and municipal elections scheduled for 25 November. Sectarian tensions reported ahead of vote, with Shiite majority accusing government of pro-Sunni gerrymandering.

Demonstrations held by Shiites in support of Hizbollah after 14 August UN-brokered ceasefire.

Consultative council approved anti-terror law giving authorities wide powers of arrest and detention with broad definition of “terrorist” acts further restricting freedom of association. Law yet to be ratified by King Hamad.

Demonstrations held against detention of youths protesting brief arrest of Shiite cleric; 24 more arrested.

Human rights groups expressed concern at 2-year sentence given to 12 activists for unauthorised anti- government gathering in December 2005.

Violent clashes continued between security forces, disaffected youths and political activists.

Violent clashes as unemployed youths protested alleged abuse of activist by security forces. 9 human rights activists later sought safety in UN offices from “state terror”.

Series of demonstrations held throughout month protesting law on activities of political societies; unemployment; law to regulate marriage, divorce and inheritance rights for women; and U.S.-led “Forum for the Future” conference to promote democracy which ended without agreement on declaration.

Positive steps as main Shiite political organisation, Al-Wefaq, considered ending 4-year boycott of parliamentary elections. Move prompted split, with hard-liners resigning party posts and promising continued opposition to government.

Opposition groups weighed response to new law regulating political societies; main Shiite organisation al-Wifaq reportedly considered closing. Unemployed activists reduced anti-government criticism, but promised more public protests should regime not address social issues.