New political party registered in Bahrain

Manama: Bahrain's justice ministry on Thursday said that it licenced a new political party in the kingdom.

Al Adala wa Tanmiya (Justice and Development) is now able to engage in political activities in line with the country's rules and regulations, the ministry said.

Bahrain, with a native population of less than 555,000 people, is home to 17 recognized political societies, ranging from deeply conservative to liberal, although religious formations from both the Sunni and Shiite sects dominate the political landscape thanks to large numbers of followers and a long history in polarizing people.

Bahrain does not however allow the formation of political societies on religious or sectarian bases.