Baghdad: Lieutenant General Dr. Saad Maan, Head of the Security Media Cell and Chairman of the Higher Media Committee for the upcoming parliamentary elections, confirmed that all branches of the armed forces are fully prepared and on high alert to secure the forthcoming parliamentary elections, ensuring they proceed in a stable and secure atmosphere.
According to National Iraqi News Agency, Lieutenant General Maan outlined that a comprehensive security exercise is being conducted to simulate the actual election day, starting from 6:00 PM on Saturday and continuing until 9:00 PM. This exercise is aimed at securing the voting process in Baghdad and all Iraqi governorates. The simulation is under the direct supervision of Lieutenant General Dr. Qais al-Muhammadawi, Deputy Commander of Joint Operations and Head of the High Security Committee for Elections, from the Command and Control Room at the Joint Operations Command headquarters. This setup allows for monitoring performance and addressing any potential obstacles.
The comprehensive security plan operates on a three-tiered security perimeter system. The first perimeter focuses on directly protecting polling stations and centers. The second perimeter is managed by local police and emergency response units to secure the surrounding areas. The third perimeter involves army forces securing the main entrances and exits of the areas to prevent any suspicious activities. Additionally, a reserve security force has been prepared in each military sector, supported by specialized civil defense teams, ready for immediate intervention if necessary.
Lieutenant General Maan expressed confidence in the security situation on election day, highlighting that all indicators suggest the elections will proceed smoothly without security breaches. He attributed this to the close coordination and proactive planning among all security agencies. Maan concluded by emphasizing that the Higher Media Committee is the sole entity authorized to issue any statements or declarations related to the electoral process and its security, urging media outlets to refer to it for accurate and documented information.