MANAMA, Bahrain: Bahrain's Shia opposition group headed by Sheikh Ali Salman said it will take part in legislative polls in October, ending a four-year boycott that left Sunnis dominating the kingdom's parliament.

In a statement, the Islamic National Accord Association (INAA) said its consultative council accepted its general assembly's recommendation to participate in the parliamentary elections in light of the "benefits that could be made through taking part."

Four opposition groups, including the INAA, boycotted the last parliamentary elections in 2002.

They were protesting an amendment to the 1973 constitution stipulating that legislative power be split equally between the elected chamber and a consultative council to be appointed by Bahrain's King Hamad.

"The (decision to) participate in the parliamentary elections is not based on (our) confidence in the legislative authorities of the parliament... but it is a political practice that should be utilized to the utmost," said the statement.