Anyone trying to sabotage Bahrain's election will come under a tough crackdown, police warned yesterday (September 19).

 The Interior Ministry warned against plans to block the kingdom's transport network and cause massive traffic congestion as thousands of people prepare to go to the polls on Saturday.

Lawbreakers could be jailed and fined, it said in response to an online campaign that calls for the blockade from tomorrow.

The ministry warned that it would take additional punitive measures, including the revocation and suspension of driving licences, registration certificates and car number plates.

Under the traffic law, driving licences could be revoked for up to one year.

The ministry also urged parents to look after their children and prevent them from obeying instigators who incite them to engage in illegal acts which may compromise their future.

The Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry described the plan to block highways as a direct attack on the kingdom's economy.

Such tactics could backfire - causing job losses in the long run, warned vice-chairman Abdul Hameed Al Kooheji.

The Information Affairs Authority also condemned the plan, calling it as "economic siege" and "sabotaging elections". – TradeArabia News Service