Al-Sadr reiterates refusal to participate in upcoming parliamentary elections

NAJAF — Shiite National Movement leader Muqtada Al-Sadr on Friday reiterated his decision to boycott Iraq’s upcoming parliamentary elections, rejecting persistent speculation about a political return and reaffirming core demands for state reform.

In a brief statement posted to social media, Sadr wrote, “#Boycotters,” and added, “So whoever wishes may boycott, and whoever wishes may pursue the path of power lust.”

He stressed that true reform requires addressing armed groups operating outside state control. “Right will not be established, nor wrong repelled, except by handing over uncontrolled weapons to the state, dissolving militias, strengthening the army and police, ensuring Iraq’s independence and non-subordination, earnestly pursuing reform, and holding the corrupt accountable,” he said.

Sadr closed his message with the phrase “Humiliation is far from us,” signing his name in red ink.

The announcement confirms the influential cleric’s withdrawal from the Nov. 11 vote and signals continued frustration with Iraq’s political establishment. Sadr’s bloc, formerly known as the Sadrist Movement, won 73 out of 329 seats in the October 2021 parliamentary elections, making it the largest faction at the time.

After pushing for a majority government that would exclude Iran-aligned factions, Sadr failed to secure the alliances needed to form a cabinet. In protest, he ordered the mass resignation of his lawmakers, triggering a prolonged period of political paralysis that eventually led to the formation of a consensus government dominated by rival Shiite factions.