Sadr condemns 78 Sadrist figures for defying election boycott

NAJAF — Shiite cleric Muqtada Al-Sadr has denounced dozens of individuals affiliated with the Sadrist movement who intend to participate in Iraq’s upcoming parliamentary elections, calling their actions a betrayal of his reform agenda and an act of “disobedience.”

Al-Sadr’s remarks came in response to a letter listing 78 names of individuals identified as current or former members of the movement who are running for office despite the Sadrists’ official boycott of the elections.

In a statement, Al-Sadr accused the candidates of undermining national unity and siding with corrupt political forces. “Such people seek to weaken the nation and the noble sect, oppose the reform project, and seek to strengthen the project of corruption by allying with some corrupt blocs concerned only with money and power, leaving the people and the nation to suffer from poverty and security threats,” he wrote.

He added, “You must sever ties with them. They have declared their disobedience to us, the family of Al-Sadr. This is nothing but hostility toward reform and the wounded nation. Peace be upon those who follow the guidance.”

The cleric reaffirmed that those contesting the elections are doing so independently and without the movement’s blessing, warning followers to distance themselves from such figures.

Al-Sadr has repeatedly distanced himself from Iraq’s formal political process, most notably in June 2022 when he ordered the resignation of all 73 Sadrist lawmakers from parliament. He has since maintained a boycott of political participation, including the current election cycle.