Iraq Elections: Sadr City’s “Reverse Campaign” Defies Political Norms

Saraya al-Salam, the military wing of Sadr’s movement, swiftly removed all electoral posters in Sadr City (home to 2.5 million) and replaced them with anti-voting messages. The group, boasting 13,000 fighters, enforces Sadr’s boycott call, despite some flexibility for local candidates linked to tribes. Rival Shiite coalitions—like PM Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani’s Development and Reform and Ammar al-Hakim’s National Forces—struggle to campaign here. Notably absent: ads for Nouri al-Maliki’s State of Law, given Sadr’s long-standing feud with the ex-PM.

Outside Sadr City, Baghdad resembles a “political carnival”: streets, buildings, and trees are plastered with colorful posters. Parties have spent fortunes—up to $1.4M on social media ads (per Meta data)—while cash-strapped candidates receive $3,800 grants from wealthy blocs. Government workers (4M strong) face pressure to vote for “official” candidates, with promises of land plots or salary hikes.

Despite Sadr’s disruptive campaign, this election is among Iraq’s least violent, experts say. Yet voter apathy looms—turnout may mirror 2021’s 40%—threatening the next government’s legitimacy. Over 21M voters will choose 329 MPs, who’ll appoint Iraq’s president and PM. Security forces conducted drills to safeguard polling centers, with 1.25M biometric cards distributed.

✔️ Sadr’s Iron Grip: His militia controls campaign narratives in Sadr City, undermining rivals.
✔️ Money Talks: Elite blocs spend millions on ads; state employees targeted for votes.
✔️ Apathy vs. Action: Massive ads fail to energize voters, risking low turnout.
✔️ Security Prep: Biometric systems and military drills aim for smooth elections.