Bahraini authorities are warning anti-government protesters that they could lose their driver's licenses for up to one year if they carry out threats to create massive traffic jams aimed at disrupting this week's parliamentary elections.

The warning by the Gulf kingdom's interior ministry was among several statements circulating Tuesday promising a tough response to any unrest during the polling.

Bahrain plans to hold elections Saturday for 18 seats in its 40-member parliament. The posts were recently abandoned by Shiite lawmakers protesting the government’s harsh crackdowns on pro-reform demonstrations.

Bahrain's majority Shiite population has led a seven-month uprising demanding greater political rights from the small island-nation’s Sunni rulers. Many Shiite groups have called for a boycott of the upcoming elections.