Al-Sadr boycotts upcoming Iraqi Elections, calls for reforms

BAGHDAD — As Iraq’s Independent High Electoral Commission announced the parliamentary elections for November, Iraqi Shiite leader Muqtada al-Sadr has reiterated to boycott this year’s parliamentary elections.  

He emphasized the need for sweeping reforms in Iraq’s political and security structures, including the disarmament of militias. 

He called for fundamental changes, urging the government to rein in uncontrolled weapons, disband militias, strengthen the army and police, safeguard Iraq’s sovereignty, as well as root out corruption by holding corrupt officials accountable. 

Al-Sadr first declared his intention to boycott the 2025 elections back in March, citing widespread corruption as his reason.  

In April, he rejected a formal appeal from Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid to reconsider, stating he would not participate alongside what he called “the corrupt, the reckless and the enemies of the people.”