Police say no major security incidents reported so far

AMMAN — No major security incidents were reported across the Kingdom until 11am, Public Security Department (PSD) Director Maj. Gen. Atef Saudi said Tuesday.

"The PSD is ready for implementing all the necessary measures against violators," he said at a meeting with the media, adding that the security plan covers the 1,483 polling centres and 23 final vote counting and tabulation centres.

A few violations were reported across the Kingdom, including gun acquisition and brawls, he said, adding that violators were referred to the concerned authorities. 

Government Spokesperson Mohammad Momani said a suspect that shot rounds outside a polling station in Madaba, 30km southwest of Amman, was arrested and is currently being questioned, according to the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

Momani said the suspect shot the rounds in the air and that his intentions for doing so were unknown.

Meanwhile, "an assault" occurred on a polling station in Muwaqqar and the vote counting centre in Balqa, which caused the disconnection of Internet services, according to Independent Election Commission Spokesperson Jihad Momani. 

He added that security and technical cadres moved immediately to conduct maintenance at the two facilities, according to Petra.

The spokesperson did not specify the nature of the attack.

Some 33,000 PSD personnel are taking part in securing the electoral process, in addition to other personnel performing their regular security duties, according to Saudi, who added that the plan also covers shopping centres and malls.

"We urge Jordanians to remain cautious concerning the spread of rumours," he noted. 

The police chief noted that the PSD will not issue tickets unless in dangerous situations, to allow further flexibility in the voting process.

Until 11am, the department registered 18 car accidents with minor damages to property and issued tickets for 60 red light crossing and double parking violations.