Quiet streets, empty posters: Sadr City and the growing election boycott - Salam
As-salaam alaykum. The atmosphere in Baghdad’s Sadr City feels unusually quiet: no campaign posters, no banners waving, and no glossy photos of smiling candidates around the neighbourhood.
That quiet is intentional. The Sadrist Movement’s leader, Shiite cleric Moqtada Al Sadr, has called for a boycott of the elections. He believes the political class and government have failed to control Iran-backed militias, reduce foreign influence, tackle corruption, or carry out real reforms.
Signs around the area show his picture and slogans declaring they are boycotting. One banner says they won’t take part in “a play whose ending is known,” and that the public always loses.
Iraq is due to hold parliamentary elections on November 11. These are the sixth elections since 2003 and are expected to be contested across the country’s main religious and ethnic groups. Still, many Iraqis are choosing to sit out the vote, frustrated with the post‑2003 political elite, poor living conditions, and distrust of the electoral process.
Mr Al Sadr declared a full withdrawal after failing to build a majority with Sunni and Kurdish partners following the 2021 polls, when his bloc won 73 of 329 seats. He aimed to counter rival Shiite parties tied to Iran and their militias.
“Each vote will strengthen the corrupt parties and militias,” said Raheem Mohammed, a scrap‑metal seller in Sadr City, using the honorific for a descendant of the Prophet ﷺ. “This system has failed and Sayyid Moqtada offered a roadmap to save the country, but they refused.”
Other political figures have also announced they will not take part. In July, a former prime minister’s coalition said it would not field candidates, citing concerns over heavy political spending, misuse of state resources to sway voters, and weak safeguards against fraud. They argued the vote is driven by political money and needs urgent reform to protect integrity and boost turnout.
Many independents and ordinary Iraqis are also abstaining. “Faith in democracy is fading fast,” said Omar Ghalib, a 22‑year‑old student. “Not voting has become a form of protest for many Iraqis; I won’t legitimize them with my vote.”
Because the Sadrist Movement has millions of supporters in Shiite areas, the boycott raises worries about very low turnout. An electoral official said turnout could be lower than in previous elections if boycott supporters stick to their decision. In 2021 turnout was reported at 43 percent.
More than 7,700 candidates - including over 2,200 women - are competing for 329 seats. Among those running are the sitting prime minister’s coalition, former prime ministers’ parties, and groups linked to Iran-backed factions who are seeking political influence amid regional tensions.
Sunni and Kurdish blocs remain divided among several major alliances, while new reformist movements that rose from 2019 protests face the strategic choice of participating or staying out. Some of these young groups prefer to build their identity and organisation first, hoping to be stronger in future contests.
There have also been competing attempts to influence Shiite voters. Recently, some figures claimed a leading marja’ urged participation as a religious duty; his office clarified that the decision is up to each citizen’s conscience and whether they believe participation serves Iraq’s interest.
For many, both choices - to vote or to boycott - are seen as political expression. Supporters of the boycott want to strip a corrupt system of legitimacy. Those who vote hope they can bring change from within. Either way, the debate shows deep frustration and uncertainty about Iraq’s path forward.
May Allah grant Iraq peace, justice, and wise leadership for the sake of its people.
https://www.thenationalnews.co