Basra, Jan. 15 (Reuters): Tens of thousands of demonstrators shouting: “No to America” marched today in a huge show of strength by the Shia majority against US plans for a transitional Iraqi government.

An aide to Iraq’s most revered Shia cleric said Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani could issue an edict banning Iraqis from backing a US appointed interim cabinet if Washington did not hold direct elections for a sovereign Iraqi government.

An edict by Sistani could turn many Shias — who make up about 60 per cent of Iraqis — against the US at a time when US-led occupation forces are battling insurgents in the centre of the country, known as the Sunni triangle.

In mainly Shia Basra, Iraq’s second city, demonstrators chanted: “Yes, yes for Islam; No America, No Saddam” and slogans promoting unity with minority Sunnis.

Sistani has objected to US plans for a transitional Iraqi assembly to be selected by regional caucuses rather than an election.