Influential Iraqi cleric and Sadrist Movement leader Muqtada al-Sadr reaffirmed on Friday his decision to boycott the country’s upcoming parliamentary elections, scheduled for November, citing persistent corruption and the need for sweeping reforms.

In a statement, al-Sadr outlined key demands that he suggested must be met before he would reconsider participation. These include the disarmament of rogue armed groups, the dissolution of militias, bolstering Iraq’s military and police forces, ensuring national sovereignty, and holding corrupt officials accountable.

Al-Sadr first announced his withdrawal from the electoral process in March, declaring that Iraq was "living its final breaths" due to rampant corruption. His latest remarks came in response to a supporter’s question about potential participation.

"As long as corruption exists, I will not participate in any crippled electoral process concerned only with sectarian and partisan interests—detached from the people’s suffering," al-Sadr stated. He emphasized that his followers should abstain from voting or running in the elections, framing participation as an endorsement of a flawed system.

Despite his political withdrawal in June 2022, when he ordered Sadrist lawmakers to resign from parliament, speculation had grown in recent months about his possible return after he urged supporters to update voter registration details. Representatives from various political blocs reportedly visited Najaf to gauge his stance on the elections.

Meanwhile, the Victory Coalition, led by former Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi, also announced last week that it would boycott the polls, condemning the electoral process as being marred by financial influence and lacking safeguards against fraud and vote-buying.