On Thursday morning, approximately 19,800 police officers were deployed to strategic locations across the Dominican Republic to enhance security for the upcoming Ordinary Presidential and Congressional General Elections scheduled for Sunday, May 19. This large-scale deployment is a proactive measure to ensure a secure and orderly electoral process.

The deployment operation was led by Major General Ramón Antonio Guzmán Peralta, the Director General of the National Police. In an official ceremony, Major General Guzmán Peralta handed over command of the deployed personnel to Major General Juan José Otaño Jiménez, head of the Electoral Military Police and a high-ranking official in the Dominican Republic Army (ERD). This transfer of command underscores the collaborative effort between different branches of the nation’s security forces to safeguard the integrity of the elections.

The ceremony took place at the Juan Pablo Duarte Olympic Center, where security protocols, procedures, and conditions were meticulously reviewed. The aim was to ensure that military and police personnel are fully prepared to handle any situation that might arise during the electoral process, thereby guaranteeing transparency and the effectiveness of their actions. The review included detailed briefings on operational strategies, communication channels, and emergency response plans.

Major Generals Guzmán Peralta and Otaño Jiménez were joined by other senior officials, including Generals Andrés Cruz Cruz, the Police Inspector General, and Esteban Figuereo García, Central Director of Human Resources. Their presence at the ceremony highlighted the high level of coordination and commitment among the top echelons of the law enforcement and military institutions.

The high command’s involvement is crucial in setting the tone for the security operations. It reinforces the message that maintaining order and security during the elections is a top priority. The deployment aims to deter any potential disruptions and to provide a safe environment for citizens to exercise their voting rights.

This comprehensive security plan is part of a broader effort to uphold democratic principles and ensure that the electoral process is conducted smoothly and without incident. The authorities are confident that these measures will help in conducting free, fair, and secure elections.