Expatriate Iraqis vote, but not in Italy
Polling stations have been set up in 15 nations. In Italy, a couple originally from Mosul talks about the impossibility of contributing to the political process at home, but still they look ahead.
Rome (AsiaNews) They cannot vote for Iraq's first parliament since the fall of Saddam Hussein but they live in "great hope" that the day of 15 December will become a "turning point" for their country. Fadia and Uisam, a couple of Chaldean Catholics originally from Mosul, have lived in Italy for some years now. Uisam said that today the day when expatriate Iraqis cast their ballot he will not be able to express his preference because "the embassy in Italy did not organize anything for the vote and it's not possible to participate even via internet. We are very sorry not to be able to contribute to the political process under way in Iraq, still home to our relatives and friends". He turned to the situation in Mosul, where security is still extremely wanting, especially for Christians. The Chaldean Bishop, Mgr Rahho, he said, has urged the community to make "co-existence" its priority.
Today, Uisam and Fadia had a son, who they hope will "sooner or later get to know his country". They add: "Now it's impossible, but at least we are starting to see a light at the end of the tunnel".
From Amman, the Independent Electoral Commission of Iraq, which is organising the ballot for around one million Iraqis abroad, announced that registration and vote-casting of eligible voters will continue until Thursday. Voting can take place in 15 countries: Iran, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, the United States, Canada, Australia, Austria, Germany, Turkey, Sweden, Denmark, Great Britain, Holland and United Arab Emirates.
Meanwhile, in Iraq, hospital patients, prisoners and members of the security forces voted yesterday. The rest of the nation will go to the polls on 15 December to elect the National Assembly. Security is at maximum levels: airports and borders will be closed from tomorrow until Friday or Saturday; while voting is under way, no civilian may circulate with arms, even if he is in possession of a regular license.
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