Iraqi Sadrists envision role as broker of next government
After once threatening to sit out the elections, the Sadrist movement has embarked on a media and political campaign to increase election turnout.
Muqtada al-Sadr's Sairoon political bloc pledged on Sept. 30, to implement its program for state administration within three years if it wins the post of prime minister in the October 2021 elections. The pledge was made in front of Sadr's residence in Kufa. The program includes building schools and hospitals, restricting arms to state institutions, ensuring social security, and advancing the agriculture and industry sectors.
The Sadrist movement has been sending to its opponents since Nov. 27 the message that it has the largest popular base and can mobilize its supporters in a demonstration calling for the movement to be tasked with forming a government.
On the external level, Sadr is seemingly seeking to show that his movement is a moderate and active political force.
However, Sadr's enthusiasm is not devoid of concern and hesitation. And if the Sadrist movement is to be tasked with forming a cabinet, he said he does "not want to sacrifice the reputation of my fathers” — given that he comes from a Shiite religious family.
