Shiite Iraqi parties have intensified their meetings in the past three days with the aim of responding to influential cleric Moqtada al-Sadr’s conditions for him to go back from his decision to withdraw from the October elections.
Asharq Al-Awsat had on Wednesday revealed two binding conditions that would allow Sadr to join the electoral race.
He had demanded the postponement of the elections to an agreed date and the condemnation of the groups that possess weapon in defiance of the state.
Political sources revealed that the meetings between the Shiite parties showed some flexibility with Sadr’s position. This flexibility stems from their concern over the imbalance of Shiite representation should the elections take place without Sadr.
The sources added that the parties still want to elections to be held on time, but they were open to the postponement on condition that it is enjoys the support of the majority of Shiite forces.
The Rule of Law coalition, headed by former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, and the Asaib Ahl al-Haq movement were the sides most opposed to Sadr’s conditions and have insisted on holding the elections as scheduled.
“Sadr can play the role of the political opposition in the country. He is free to do so,” the sources quoted one of the gatherers as saying.
However, there are fears from the remaining “Shiite partners” over the political impact Sadr’s absence in the elections may have on the country.
They are leaning more towards maintaining pressure on him to persuade him to take part in the polls.
The political wings of the armed factions have tried to reassure the parties over the security for the elections, saying the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) can ensure the safety of candidates and voters.
The crisis with Sadr, however, goes much deeper than security.
Observers believe that the armed factions are insisting on holding the elections on time so that they can control the new government.
The meetings of the Shiite parties concluded by keeping the option of postponing the elections on the table. Any decision over the issue would hinge on Shiite consensus.
The option had gained traction after President Barham Salih called for comprehensive national dialogue that would address fears surrounding holding the elections on schedule.
During a televised address to mark the tenth of Muharram, he warned against dismissing the challenges that are surrounding the electoral process.
“We should seriously tackle these fears through national dialogue that would be aimed at assuring the Iraqi people,” he announced.
The declaration sparked deep political debate on whether the president was actually proposing the postponement of the elections.
Political sources soon intervened to clarify that the president refuses to become embroiled in partisan speculation over the polls, which he is keen on holding on time, but in suitable circumstances.
