Lawyers and activists in Iraq have filed a formal complaint seeking the exclusion of several political parties from the upcoming elections, citing their affiliation with armed groups.

The complaint, lodged with the Federal Supreme Court and the Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC), specifically names the Badr Organization and Asaib Ahl al-Haq among the most prominent parties targeted.

Legal Basis of the Complaint

The plaintiffs argue that, under Article 9 of Iraq’s constitution and Articles 8 and 47 of the 2015 Political Parties Law, no political party may maintain an armed wing while participating in elections. They are demanding that all armed parties and groups be barred from the electoral process.

Abbas Fatlaw, a leader of the Iraqi Independence Association — one of the organizations behind the filing — told said: “The court and the commission have received the complaint.”

Parties Named in the Complaint

The filing calls for the removal of 12 groups, including:

• Badr Organization
• Asaib Ahl al-Haq
• Babylon Movement (al-Haraka al-Babiliyya)
• Imam Ali Brigades
• Kataib Sayyid al-Shuhada
• Other armed factions with political representation

In addition to election exclusion, the plaintiffs have requested that the Federal Supreme Court suspend the activities of these groups.

Next Steps

According to Fatlaw, the IHEC has informed the complainants that a decision is expected within 10 days. Observers say the ruling could have a significant impact on Iraq’s political landscape ahead of the parliamentary vote.