‘Police, gendarmerie forces ready for election day’

AMMAN — The Public Security Department (PSD) and the gendarmerie forces said on Sunday they are ready to maintain security on election day.

PSD Director Maj. Gen. Atef Saudi said police units will be at the ready to uphold their duties at polling stations throughout the electoral process and until the results are announced, according to a PSD statement.

During a security meeting attended by directors of the various PSD units, Saudi said that as of Monday, all security and traffic plans will be activated to facilitate voters’ access to polling stations on the next day.

The PSD director highlighted the importance of direct cooperation and coordination with the Gendarmerie Department, which he said is the main partner in the security plan.

Saudi urged the public to cooperate with the PSD and follow the rules, refraining from negative practices that could take place during the elections such as gathering in large crowds at polling stations, celebratory gunfire, or driving in car processions that impede traffic. 

Moreover, he said that if any citizen observes a criminal action, he/she should call 911 and report it. 

The Gendarmerie Department also said it has started implementing its security plan on Sunday, deploying its units in the field to ensure quick response to any developments, in coordination with the Interior Ministry and other security agencies, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, quoted Maj. Gen. Hussein Hawatmeh, the director of the department, as saying.

Hawatmeh directed all field commanders to provide the best security services and cooperate with the candidates, votes, observers and journalists.