Influential Iraqi cleric and political leader Muqtada al-Sadr reiterated on Friday his decision to boycott Iraq’s upcoming parliamentary elections and called for the disbandment of armed militias and the strengthening of state institutions.

In a statement posted on his official X account, al-Sadr urged for all weapons to be handed over to the state and for Iraq to pursue an independent path free from foreign influence.

“The army and police must be empowered, and Iraq must be independent,” he wrote.

Al-Sadr, who leads the powerful Sadrist movement, also posted the word “Boycotters,” reaffirming his bloc’s withdrawal from the electoral process.

The cleric had previously stated that his participation in the elections would only be reconsidered if serious measures were taken to combat systemic corruption. He had also requested a one-year extension of the current government's term.

The Iraqi Council of Ministers has scheduled the next parliamentary elections for November 11, 2025, following the completion of voter registration updates. Approximately 30 million Iraqis are eligible to vote.

The Independent High Electoral Commission has registered 322 political entities—including parties, coalitions, and independents—to contest the sixth parliamentary vote since the 2003 fall of Saddam Hussein’s regime.

The current term of the Iraqi Council of Representatives began on January 9, 2022, and is set to end on January 8, 2026. According to Iraqi electoral law, general elections must be held at least 45 days before the end of the legislature's term.