Iraqi Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr urged his supporters to boycott the upcoming local elections scheduled for the eighteenth of next month. In response to an inquiry from one of his followers, he stated, "One of the most important aspects of the Sadrist base is its unity, obedience, and loyalty, and this is what I take pride in before the nations, thanks be to God. You must adhere to reform, even if Muqtada al-Sadr dies."
He added, "Your participation with the corrupt saddens me greatly, while your boycott of the elections brings me joy, annoys the enemy, reduces the legitimacy of the elections both internationally and domestically, and diminishes the control of the corrupt and subservient over our beloved Iraq, may God protect it from all evil and from all corrupt and unjust individuals."
Al-Sadr continued: "Moreover, the global and regional situation is affecting conditions in Iraq, and we must be cautious and always ready as the enemy lurks around our Iraq and our sacred places, so please pay attention."
