AMMAN, Jordan, Jan. 28 (UPI) -- Iraqi expatriates started voting Friday in 14 countries around the world, including Jordan, where an estimated 200,000 eligible voters are believed to reside.
Twelve polling stations, including eight in Amman, opened their doors to voters as of 7 a.m. local time amid stringent security measures.
Voters were seen lining up to cast their votes in the first post-Saddam Hussein elections.
According to the International Immigration Organization, which is overseeing the vote of Iraqi expatriates, only an estimated 20,000 people have registered to vote in Jordan, and the turnout was poor in the morning hours.
Iyad Jasser, 35, who was among early voters, said he felt very happy about participating in the elections, but wished he was casting his vote in Iraq and not abroad.
"I have chosen the list which I believe will work best in Iraq's interest," he told UPI.
Voters have to present their registration receipt and their identity card, which are checked thoroughly before they are allowed to cast their votes.
Expatriates have two days in which to vote, while those in Iraq will cast their ballots Sunday, amid mounting violence and threats by Sunni insurgents to disrupt the elections.
