People in Bahrain are returning to the polls to vote in run-off elections which will decide how much power the opposition has in the new parliament.

In the first round, 40% of the seats went to a Shia group that is contesting the polls for the first time.

There is concern the strong showing from religious parties could mean fewer freedoms and slower modernisation.

Leaders and citizens in other Gulf states are carefully watching the choices Bahrainis are making.

The Sunni-Shia division might be more visible - and at times, more violent - in Bahrain than in other countries of the southern Gulf - but that does not mean it is not an issue elsewhere.

Limited powers

Last week's election results, giving the Shia Al Wefaq group 16 out of the 17 seats it contested, have seen the region sit up and take note of what the relatively fledgling election process in the Gulf can produce.

In Bahrain at least 40% of the new parliament will be from the Shia religious group which has campaigned on an opposition ticket.

This is a first in the Shia-majority country which is ruled by minority Sunnis.

Al Wefaq's last candidate is trying to make it 17 out of 17 in his run-off vote and the group is hoping other opposition candidates will also win, strengthening the anti-government voice in parliament.

Ultimately though, power rests with King Hamad, his ruling family and the appointed Shura Council, which must agree to any legislation put forward by the elected parliament.

This lack of real power is something the newly elected opposition MPs have highlighted - a sure sign they want more of a say in the running of the country by the time the next elections are fought.

Photo caption

Bahraini man walks past election posters