MANAMA, Bahrain: Thousands of Bahraini Shiias on Friday September 29 demonstrated in Manama against what they say is a government strategy to grant citizenship to non-Shiia Muslims from other Arab countries to alter the country's demographics. Police fired tear gas to push back the demonstrators during the protest.

With municipal and parliamentary elections drawing near, the issue has taken on new importance. It will reportedly go ahead on November 25.

Shiias make up more than 80 per cent of Bahrain’s local population. But minority reigns over a majority here.

Bahraini nationals hoping to enter the 40-member chamber of deputies can register their candidacy between October 12 and 16, according to a royal decree issued by King Hamad bin Issa al-Khalifa, the BNA state-owned agency reported.

Meanwhile, candidates for the municipal elections can register between October 20 and 24, according to a ministerial decree issued by Premier Sheikh Khalifa bin Salman al-Khalifa.