Written question asked by John Hayes (Conservative) on Monday, 24 January 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 7 February 2005. It was answered by Chris Mullin (Labour) on Monday, 7 February 2005 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, if he will make a statement on the measures his Department has taken to support polling for Iraqi expatriates in the forthcoming Iraqi elections (a) in the United Kingdom and (b) in dependent territories; how many eligible electors his Department estimates there to be; and what security measures have been brought in.

Answer: Mr. Hayes: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the measures his Department has taken to support polling for Iraqi expatriates in the forthcoming Iraqi elections (a) in the United Kingdom and (b) in dependent territories; how many eligible electors his Department estimates there to be; and what security measures have been brought in. [211425] Mr. Mullin: Out of Country Voting (OCV) for the Iraqi elections was organised by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM). Voting took place in 14 countries including the UK but not in any of our Overseas Territories. Polling centres were established in London, Manchester and Glasgow. Initial figures suggest that almost 29,000 Iraqis voted in the UK. HMG did not have a direct role, but British officials met regularly with IOM officials to offer advice and assistance, and the police worked with the IOM to ensure that appropriate security arrangements were in place. There were no significant security incidents at polling centres in the UK.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 211425; 430 c1314W
Session: 2004-05
Subjects: Absent voting Elections Electorate Eligibility Iraq Overseas residence Security Safety measures
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk