AMMAN, Jordan, Dec. 13 (UPI) -- Iraqi expatriates headed to the polls Tuesday to elect representatives to the country's new parliament that has a four-year mandate.
In Jordan, which has the largest expatriate Iraqi community, 12 polling stations were set up, including 10 in Amman, one in Irbid and another in Zarqa, to cater to some 300,000 eligible voters.
The Iraqi Higher Commission for Elections announced expatriates born before 1987 could vote in 47 cities located in 15 countries around the world.
Jordanian authorities imposed strict security measures around polling stations, mostly located in schools. Security forces were deployed around and inside the polling centers, which could only be reached by foot.
Representatives from the Iraqi election commission were verifying the identities of voters before they entered the polling stations.
Voters expressed satisfaction with the process.
After casting his vote, businessman Jawad Ali said he was participating in the elections to help build the future of Iraq. He said he voted for candidates who he believes can speak for all Iraqis.
Ruweidah Allam, a housewife, said she voted this time because she realized boycotting them was futile.
She said she hoped "Iraqis will be able to elect their representatives in the next parliament who can express and reflect the will of the people for life and their rejection of violence and terrorism."
Elections inside Iraq are scheduled for Thursday.
