Muqtada al-Sadr reverses decision to stay out of Iraqi elections

After his withdrawal from October elections due to public anger against the ministers of health and electricity — both loyal Sadrist officials — the head of the Sadrist movement, Muqtada al-Sadr, decides to participate in the vote after all.
Sadr backers march
Supporters of Iraqi cleric Muqtada al-Sadr carry placards bearing his likeness in the Shiite holy city of Najaf on Aug. 27, 2021, to show their support with his decision to take part in the October elections. - ALI NAJAFI/AFP via Getty Images
Al Monitor: The Pulse of the Middle East
Hassan Al-Saeed
@Hassan_aISaeed

NAJAF, Iraq — Standing in front of dozens of his die-hard supporters, including leaders of his political movement, Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr announced Aug. 27 that his forces will now take part in October parliamentary elections.

“We will run in the elections with a participation of millions,” Sadr said.

Access the Middle East news and analysis you can trust

Join our community of Middle East readers to experience all of Al-Monitor, including 24/7 news, analyses, memos, reports and newsletters.

Subscribe

Only $100 per year.

Videos

See more