"Shia parties and parties are publishing the rumors because they fear the withdrawal of [Sadr] from the elections,” Hussein was quoted by NRT as saying.

"There is a big pressure on Sadr to retract the decision to withdraw from the Iraqi elections, but the decision has been made and there is no return,” he added.

On July 15, Sadr movement leader Muqtada al-Sadr decided to withdraw his movement from the elections.

Reporter's code: 50101