US sets up "election interference command center" to guard against Russia and China

The US remains concerned about election interference from Russia, China and Iran. Photo: AP

Speaking to reporters to announce the federal government's plans to secure the upcoming election, the unnamed official said: "We remain concerned about interference from Russia, China and Iran.

The official did not elaborate on the specific threat posed by foreign interference, but said the intelligence community was ready to find out who might interfere with the upcoming voting process.

The official affirmed that the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Department of Justice, the Department of Homeland Security and US intelligence will join forces to stop digital attacks targeting the upcoming election. The White House will coordinate with these agencies through the National Security Council.

Meanwhile, another senior administration official said the Justice Department also plans to deploy a so-called “election interference command post” on election day to help the FBI quickly communicate with other “on-the-ground” agencies across the country.

US intelligence agencies have concluded that Russia interfered in the 2016 US presidential election to bolster support for Donald Trump, and recently renewed accusations that Moscow is trying to influence the outcome of next week's midterm elections.

Last month, in a speech at the United Nations, President Trump also accused China of election interference, but did not provide specific evidence. Both Russia and China have denied these allegations.

Last September, President Trump signed an executive order allowing the government to punish any individual or entity found to interfere in elections through cyber attacks or spreading fake news./.