Recently, there has been an increased discussion about efforts from the leaders of the coordination framework to urge the leader of the Sadrist movement, Muqtada Sadr, to participate in the upcoming parliamentary elections. Observers believe that the divisions within the coordination framework are driving its members to invite Sadr's movement back into the political arena. The Sadrist movement withdrew from the political process on August 29, 2022, after its leader, Muqtada Sadr, decided to pull his bloc's deputies out of parliament, followed by his decision to retire from political work.
In his most recent statements, Sadr affirmed just two days ago the continued cohesion of his popular base since his withdrawal, noting that his bloc secured the largest seats among political factions. He praised the committed grassroots supporters of his movement, stating: "Peace be upon the popular bases that have persevered and proved their loyalty after we withdrew from the parliament to avoid being a platform for the corrupt."
Sadr added, "Despite the enemy and their bet on their fragmentation, they have resisted and remained loyal, so thank you to them." However, he did not disclose any inclinations regarding his movement's next steps or whether it would return to political work.
Following Sadr's statement, hundreds of his supporters took to the streets in several provinces, chanting slogans and expressing their joy about Sadr's announcement, confirming their readiness for whatever directives he may issue.
Sadr's statements coincide with rumors regarding the possibility of the Sadrist movement returning to political involvement and participating in the upcoming parliamentary elections.
### Early Talk
In this context, independent MP Hussein Arab expressed that it is premature to talk about the Sadrist movement's return to political life, emphasizing that such a return would initially require participation in the parliamentary elections set for a year from now. There are ongoing efforts to convince the movement to get back into political action through electoral participation.
Arab confirmed, "The Sadrist movement's withdrawal had a significant impact, as the political process cannot be complete without their presence," calling on Sadr to "reconsider his decision and return to political engagement, because the withdrawal of a substantial and influential bloc with popular support has greatly harmed the political balance among political forces, and there is a significant need for their presence in the government and parliament."
This view was shared by member of the State of Law coalition, MP Aref Al-Hamami, who noted the importance of the Sadrist movement's presence in the political process within parliament or the government. He added that the participation of all political forces in the political process strengthens the government. However, Al-Hamami pointed out that "there is no information available about the Sadrist movement's return or not."
Over the past few days, various media outlets have reported information, citing unnamed sources, about a movement among the leaders of the coordination framework towards Sadr, aiming to encourage him to participate in the upcoming parliamentary elections, coinciding with statements from former Prime Minister Nouri Al-Maliki about Sadr's desire for early elections, although the movement has not confirmed these claims.
In this regard, writer and journalist Majisch Al-Tamimi stated that "Maliki is speaking from his personal perspective about the Sadrist movement and its return to the political scene, as Sadr has explicitly declared that he will not participate under a quota system and the presence of corrupt individuals. Sadr is principled and does not change his stance without his conditions being met."
Al-Tamimi added, "Sadr said in 2022, 'I decided to withdraw from the political process so that I do not participate with the corrupt in any way, now or in the hereafter,' and he has stated that he will not participate in any elections in the presence of the corrupt ('unless the corrupt are removed and everyone who plundered Iraq and shed blood is held accountable')."
### Internal Framework Conflicts
Al-Tamimi concluded that "the problems and divisions within the forces of the coordination framework prompted Maliki to make these statements regarding the Sadrist movement, especially since many of the framework forces have begun to expand and interfere in executive and political matters without consulting the major framework powers, including Nouri Maliki, who is seen as the father of the coordination framework."
Political analyst Issam Hussein also agreed with this hypothesis, stating that "what is being communicated in the media by framework leaders is a result of internal struggles within the framework, as there are new alignments emerging over the control of power in 2025. Hence, the matter is to stir speculation about the possibility of alliance between leaders from the framework and Sadr."
Hussein further mentioned in an interview with Shafaq News, "The decision to participate in the elections is a right for every Iraqi, and whether the Sadrist movement participates is up to Sadr. However, signs indicate that Sadr has social and ideological steps ahead, and there is still no political project in place. Returning and participating in the elections requires the announcement of a political project at least a year in advance."
He noted, "The Sudani government is not up to the required standards, and there is fear of failure because the situation depends on political balances. Therefore, there is a desire for the Sadrist movement to participate in the elections to ensure there is no collapse with the participation of everyone in the government."
