Renad Ghanem and Samar Yahya Saudi Gazette JEDDAH – Egyptian expatriates' voting on the 2014 Egyptian constitution draft ended on Sunday in 161 countries around the world. The new constitution is considered the first step in the army's roadmap. Parliamentary and presidential elections are expected to follow after the constitution is passed. There was a noticeable absence of former president Mohamed Morsi's supporters during the five days of voting in Egyptian missions in Saudi Arabia. They said they will boycott the referendum because they believe that the current Egyptian government is illegitimate. Mohammed Hazem, an Egyptian expatriate living in Jeddah, said, “I voted yes, because we want stability in Egypt. If the constitution is passed, we will have first step toward stability.” Dalia Yehia, another Egyptian expatriate in Jeddah, also voted yes. She believes the constitution draft will lead the country to a bright future. “I voted yes because I want a better country for me and for my children,” she said. “Egyptians should understand that stability will be achieved only by having a constitution. It's just a step toward a better future. We need to work very hard to get back security and stability,” said Yehia. Ibrahim Sorour, an Egyptian expatriate who also voted yes on the constitution, believes that Egypt is progressing in the right direction. “I'm sure that it will be a fair result, whether it's yes or no, we will accept the results anyway,” said Ibrahim, adding, “All of my relatives and friends here in Saudi Arabia voted yes.” Hassan Al-Hadedy, an Egyptian expatriate living in Jeddah, said that despite the fact that he is not satisfied with the constitution draft, he voted yes. “I voted yes to pass the constitution draft even though there are some terms I don't agree with,” he said. Earlier, Egypt's Consul General Adel El-Alfy told that Saudi Gazette that the results of Jeddah subcommittee polling station will be announced once the counting of votes is completed. Out of approximately 8 million Egyptians abroad, only 681,346 registered of them, 312,397 live in Saudi Arabia, forming 45% of Egyptians living abroad.
