Sadrists movement leader Muqtada Sadr called on the Iraqi people to take part in the upcoming general elections and set cruelty and dictatorship aside.
“I have a few things to say about the elections,” he said.
“First, I want to express my gratitude to the religious leaders because they clearly called for change, changing all the corrupt and cruel elements. I thank them from deep down in my heart for this boycott against the government that provides nothing for the people and has no responsibility regarding its people and soil.
“Second, I call on the High Elections Commission to be independent in its actions so that God and the people will be happy with their actions, and for them to not succumb before the increasing pressure placed on them.
“Third, I call on elections observers to be very aware and investigate very precisely. There are many concerns of fraud in the elections and many fingerprinting devices being set aside.
“Fourth, I call on the brave army and all security apparatuses to place their vote with dignity and complete freedom, and not show any weakness before the pressures. During the course of the elections they should support the voters and everyone, and not intervene in the elections.
“Fifth, I call on the Iraqi people to take part in this white revolution and place their vote, and no one must contravene in this regard because according to what I understand this is the last chance for change.
“Sixth, I call on the United Nations and international community to be impartial and/or supervise the elections directly or indirectly. Controlling various independent delegations will increase the difficulty of true democratic trends and the elections will not be transparent.
“Seventh, I call on all neighboring countries to not meddle in Iraq’s internal affairs and elections.
“Eighth, elections polls are sacred places. I am requesting that they not be attacked and not violate any laws in this regard.
“Ninth, the Iraqi people do not accept these many security violations, and the people don’t want the terrorism and militants that discriminately carry out bombings. May God keep the Iraqi people alive and thank God for our sacrifice and the kindness the people have for their country.
“Tenth, I call on everyone, meaning all political groups, to specifically be very responsible after election results are announced. Otherwise, the defeat of some parties will lead to dark acts of vengeance, while claiming national well-being. In the meantime, in my opinion the doors of the Commission are open for anyone to complain about election law violations.
“Eleventh, following the orders of God and his messenger, and feelings towards the country obligates everyone to go to the election polls. Loving the country is a show of belief. Therefore, all of us must go to the polls as a group, no voting man or woman must go to the polls alone. You noble Iraqis, today is your day.
“Twelfth, in advance I congratulate the Iraqi people’s victory over cruelty and the cruel. The voice of the oppressed is louder than that of the cruel.”