Iraq Shiite cleric Sadr speaks during press conference in Najaf

Influential Shiite cleric Moqtada Sadr, the big winner in initial results from Iraq's election last month, on Thursday called on the "losers" not to disturb the war-scarred country's democratic process.

His appeal came after weeks of tensions that peaked in early November when an explosives-laden drone hit the residence of Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhemi, in what his office called an assassination attempt.

Sadr Was the big winner with more than 70 of the 329 seats, according to the initial count.

At a press conference, he addressed "political forces who consider themselves the losers of these elections" and said their defeat "should not open a path to the ruin of Iraq's democratic process."

What they are doing, he added, "will only accentuate the people's rejection of you."

No group claimed responsibility for the drone attack in which Kadhemi was unhurt.

Sadr, however, reiterated the necessity of forming a majority government, saying: "Our options, as an individual or entity, are either as a majority government or opposition."

Experts say he could try to build a parliamentary majority by allying with groups outside of the Shiite community.