By Nourhan El-Sebahy

The number of Egyptians who voted abroad exceeded 28,300, said Deputy Foreign Minister Hamdy Loza in a press conference Sunday.

Loza added that embassies in most countries did not encounter any problems in voting and the process went smoothly, except for Riyadh and Jeddah in Saudi Arabia, and Amman in Jordan, which encountered some technical problems. However, the problems were resolved.

Loza pointed out that Gulf countries witnessed a low turnout. “I hope by the end of the day, before closing the embassies’ doors at 9pm, the turnout will get higher,” he said.

He added that Paris witnessed a higher turnout than the first phase of the elections.

Loza noted that embassies at New Zealand and Australia have already closed their doors to collect votes. However, in the US and Europe, some embassies are still opening their doors.

Loza highlighted the great importance of voters abroad, as they make a difference to every candidate. “Voters abroad are not sidelined, they really make a difference.”