Baghdad: Deputy Commander of Joint Operations and Chairman of the Supreme Security Committee for the Council of Representatives Elections, General Qais al-Muhammadawi supervised the launch of the first security drills to secure the electoral process this morning, Saturday, in the capital, Baghdad, and all governorates of the country. This is part of the ongoing security and logistical preparations to ensure the safe conduct of the elections.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, a statement by the Joint Operations Command detailed that “the security drill began at 9:00 AM and continued until 12:00 PM, with broad participation from security and military leaders, in coordination with the Independent High Electoral Commission.”

The statement further explained that the drill’s purpose was to test security readiness and coordinate efforts between the various relevant units and institutions. It involved providing protection for 25% of polling stations in each governorate, along with securing all electoral registration centers.

The Supreme Security Committee affirmed that this exercise is the first step in a phased security plan that will continue until Election Day, including multiple measures to ensure stability and protect voters and electoral cadres.

Commanders from the Ministries of Interior and Defense, as well as intelligence agencies, participated in the exercise. Plans were implemented to secure the three security cordons around polling stations, and communications and command and control systems were examined. All available resources were utilized at the subcommittees in the governorates.