Exiles divided between excitement and apathy

Some people will go a long way for democracy. As Iraq prepares to go to the polls in the country's first free election, exiles all over the world are preparing to cast their votes too. Thousands of Iraqis living in London and the South have travelled to Wembley to register.

But some have come further than others. Sadik Ridha, 59, who saw half his family murdered by the Saddam regime and the others banished into exile, travelled this week from Hungary to take part in the election.

He lives with his Hungarian wife in Budapest, where he works as a translator. There is no election centre in Hungary and as registration and voting require two separate visits to the centre, a week apart, Mr Ridha decided to combine it with a trip to London.

His dedication is in sharp contrast to what has happened with many Iraqis living in Britain and eligible to vote. Expatriate organisations estimate there

are 150,000, but only one in five - 30,000 - have registered at the centres in Wembley, Manchester and Glasgow.

It is a statistic which saddens Hashim Ali, 50, an Iraqi exile living in White City. "I've registered, and I carry the paper with me all the time," he said. "It is the first time in my life I have ever been able to cast my vote." The lack of enthusiasm shown by his countrymen surprises him. "I feel ashamed," he said. "They have let us down."

Mr Ali has been talking to his brother in Iraq. Despite the intimidation, he and his family are all determined to vote. "He says it is very difficult, with the terrorism but their enthusiasm is amazing. They are going to cast their vote despite the fear. They are risking their lives, but they are ready to go. These are wonderful days in the history of Iraq. Once they have tasted freedom they will never let it go."