Sadr denounces candidates who defied election boycott as ‘seekers of worldly gains’

BAGHDAD — Influential Shia cleric Muqtada al-Sadr condemned individuals affiliated with his movement who chose to run in Iraq’s upcoming parliamentary election despite his clear directive to boycott the vote.

In a letter sent Tuesday by Saraya al-Salam, the armed wing of the Sadrist Movement, to al-Sadr’s office, members based in Baghdad and other governorates admitted to submitting their candidacies and asked for clarification on their standing within the movement.

In his handwritten response, al-Sadr wrote: “They are not from us in any way. They are seekers of worldly gains.”

His office confirmed that some candidates had attempted to secure tacit approval or endorsement. “The movement rejects these attempts and will not issue any statements in support of their electoral participation,” the statement said.

Al-Sadr reiterated his stance that the Sadrist Movement remains firmly committed to boycotting the Nov. 11 parliamentary election and stressed that those defying the decision are acting independently and without authorization.

Sadr has previously withdrawn from Iraq’s political system, most notably when he ordered all 73 Sadrist lawmakers to resign from parliament in June 2022. He has since maintained his distance from formal political participation, including the current election cycle.