Bahrain is stepping up security preparations as the countdown started for the parliamentary and municipal elections on Saturday (November22).
A mock drill has been conducted today on the protection of ballot boxes as they are transported to and from the polling stations.
The training followed directives from Interior Minister Lieutenant-General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al-Khalifa as part of efforts to maintain security and public order and ensure the success of the polls.
Public Security Chief Major-General Tariq Hassan Al-Hassan attended the training in the presence of Legislation and Legal Opinion Authority President, Parliamentary and Municipal Elections 2014 Executive Director Abdulla bin Hassan Al-Bouainain. Public Security Deputy Chief Major-General Naji Al-Hashel and other security directors were also present.
The training focused also on protecting polling stations, reviewing security contingency plans and assessing preparations so as to ensure the success of the polls as well as the safety of candidates and voters.
Major-General Tariq Hassan Al-Hassan was briefed on the contingency security plan as well as plan B to confront and foil any illegal acts aimed at derailing the polls.
Under the contingency plan, police will be out in force in vital facilities, highways and roads leading to the polling stations across Bahrain.
Police patrols will also be deployed countrywide to ensure the smooth flow of the traffic and enable voters and candidates to reach their respective polling stations easily.
Major-General Tariq Al-Hassan commended the preparedness of all security agencies which took part in the mock drill, hailing their dedication and readiness to perform their duties.
He pointed out that the theoretical and practical training operations would continue on the elections day, on Saturday, on which voters will head massively to their respective polling centres to cast their ballots and perform their patriotic duties.
He extended paid tribute to the Minister of Interior for his valuable directives and constant follow-up. He also thanked Mr. Al-Bouainain and the elections committee members as well as the officers and non-commissioned officers who took part in the training drill.