Bahrain is set to hold parliamentary elections next month amid parallel calls for a boycott and participation in the political process. The Nov. 12 vote is also approaching as thousands of Bahrainis remain excluded from political life under the country’s "Political Isolation Law.” This is while many names have been removed from electoral lists under the amendment to Law No. (57) of 2014, which specifies requirements that need to be met for political inclusion. These conditions include “previous participation in the electoral process” and not being “deprived or exempt from exercising rights" by the authorities.

The calls for a boycott stem from what is described as the parliament’s failure to pass laws in the interests of the public, instead pushing through legislation that further make people's livelihoods, economic situations and even civil rights difficult. Those who call for participation meanwhile uphold slogans such as “performing national duties guaranteed by the constitution.”

Given existing laws that limit the electoral process and the possibility of changes to the composition of political representatives, few expect the...