Baghdad security forces begin securing polling centers ahead of November 11 elections

BAGHDAD — Baghdad Operations Command said Wednesday it has begun securing schools designated as polling centers and warehouses belonging to the Independent High Electoral Commission, as part of final preparations for Iraq’s Nov. 11 parliamentary elections.

The command said in a statement that the measures, coordinated with the Ministries of Defense and Interior and other security agencies, represent “the final stages of its electoral protection plan.”

Units under the electoral subcommittee have started documenting their assigned duties and providing protection for schools selected as polling sites in both Karkh and Rusafa districts, the statement said. The schools are being prepared for special and general voting after being officially handed over by the Education Directorates.

The operation also includes protecting the transport of electoral materials by commission staff and securing warehouses in Baghdad’s Dabash area.

Special voting for security and military personnel will take place on Nov. 9, while the electoral silence period begins Nov. 8, according to the electoral commission.

A total of 7,768 candidates are contesting this year’s elections. Campaigning began Oct. 3 and will end the day before the silence period. The commission has said preliminary results will be announced within 24 hours of the polls closing, and biometric card distribution will continue through election day.