Egyptians abroad on Wednesday began casting their ballots in a referendum on a controversial draft constitution that has sparked angry protests in Egypt, dpa reported.
More than 586,000 Egyptians in 166 countries are registered to vote and have until Saturday evening to do so at diplomatic missions in their countries of residence, reported state media.
The opposition has repeatedly said that the constitution, drafted by an Islamist-led constituent assembly, ignores personal freedoms and women's rights.
Egyptians at home are to start voting on the charter on Saturday when the first stage of the referendum is to be held in 10 of the country's 27 provinces, reported the state-run newspaper al-Ahram Wednesday.
The second and final stage will be held on December 22, according to the report.
If the draft constitution is voted down, President Mohammed Morsi will call an election within three months to pick a new constituent assembly.