Iraq Election(s). Iraqi's living abroad don't bother to register to vote.

Iraqis living abroad are being given more time to register in the country's election because of a low turnout.

The International Organization for Migration, which is organising voting in 14 countries, said registration would be extended for two days.

By Thursday, the fourth day of registration, fewer than one in 10 Iraqis had registered abroad, out of more than a million eligible voters.

BBC

Fewer than one in ten who are living in 14 countries. That's a lot of apathy.

Sanc'.

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[edit on 22-1-2005 by sanctum]

Apathy or maybe a sign that they have no intention returning to Iraq, whoever is in power.

I don't know what its like elsewhere...but in Canada there are 3 Iraqi voter registrations centres: Toronto, Calgary and Vancouver. Apparently the people have to go there once to register and then again to vote. Easy if you live within a few hours drive...but if not. I can see many people not even bothering.

Originally posted by Kriz_4
Apathy or maybe a sign that they have no intention returning to Iraq, whoever is in power.

Good point, but what percentage of those living abroad would have permanent residency?
I would hazard a guess that a lot have temporary visas.

Sanc'.

Those who only have temp visas are apt to try and stay away, though. Many likely only have student visas at the time, but will likely apply to stay abroad after finishing school, don't you think? That doesn't even take into consideration the many who are abroad illegally.

regs

Few Iraqis in Aust register to vote

In Australia only 6,500 expatriates have registered to vote from and estimated 50,000 people.

"We've been reviewing that and trying to understand why and the message that keeps coming back to us is that it's a mixture of apathy and apprehension."

"The apprehension comes form those people who are distrustful of any Government in Iraq, considering that they have had decade and decade of tyranny and abuse, that some people do not want to freely and willingly submit their name to any potential future government that may then victimise them."

Link

quote: Originally posted by Kriz_4
Apathy or maybe a sign that they have no intention returning to Iraq, whoever is in power.

Kriz_4, this backs up your very valid point.

Sanc'.

Perhaps the problem is that Iraqis abroad knows already that the elections in Iraq are just for show and the winners are already selected.

US elections in Iraq will be US elected government that is for sure.

Plus the exiles knows that Iraq is a mess and is not way that It will rebuild and ready for any of them to go back in their life time.

Or another reason will be that they are not showing as a way to boycott US intervention in their country.

Who knows. I guess this is not what bush wanted, he though Iraqis were going to kiss the ground he walked on.