Al-Nasr Coalition calls for electoral reform after announcing boycott

BAGHDAD — The Al-Nasr Coalition, led by former Prime Minister Haider Al-Abadi, on Friday called for electoral reforms and the exclusion of corrupt actors from the political process, saying such steps are necessary to broaden participation and reinforce the country’s political foundation.

The statement comes just days after the coalition announced it would not take part in Iraq’s upcoming parliamentary elections, scheduled for Nov. 11.

The coalition warned that widespread political withdrawal could undermine the democratic system itself. “Any political system experiencing a boycott will be threatened in its existence and functions,” it said.

Also on Friday, Shia National Movement leader Muqtada Al-Sadr reaffirmed his decision to boycott the vote, dismissing continued speculation about a possible return to politics.

Statement from Al-Nasr Coalition:

We call for reforming the electoral system and preventing the corrupt to ensure broader participation and strengthen the political base.

The “Al-Nasr Coalition” welcomes broader participation of political forces in free and fair parliamentary elections for 2025, to enhance the legitimacy of the system and the truthfulness of political representation of the people’s segments, giving credibility through reform of the electoral system.

The “Al-Nasr Coalition” affirms that the strength of the state is from the strength of its political system, and the strength of the political system is in its truthful expression of the will of the citizens through the forces that represent them. Any system that lives through boycotts will be threatened in its existence and its functions.

The challenges facing the state, especially at this historical moment, require broadening the political base of the system and involving everyone, with the necessity of safeguarding the electoral process from the corrupt and manipulators.

The “Al-Nasr Coalition” sees that among the most important factors for overcoming challenges and collapses for any state is internal political and societal unity, in accordance with the necessities of preserving the interests of the people and the entity of the state. The patriotism of the political forces is manifested in their rising above their private interests for the sake of the interests of the people and the state. The strength of the system is manifested in the flexibility of institutions to absorb challenges and contain crises with realism and wisdom, which is what our state needs today.

In the month of Muharram, the month of sacrifice, steadfastness on truth, and reform, we call on everyone for selflessness, in service of the people and betterment of the country.