Egyptians living abroad began voting on a draft constitution written by an Islamist-dominated assembly on Wednesday despite the outrage of prominent opposition groups who feel the charter only represents one faction of society.

Local polls will be conducted on Saturday, December 15.

The number of Egyptians living abroad is estimated at 6 to 8 million, according to official sources.

Embassies will follow the same procedures in making it possible for voters to mail their ballots, the Foreign Ministry has said.

An elections committee that is overseeing the process has made available online ballots for expatriates who have participated in votes during the past 22 months - since Hosni Mubarak's ouster.

The committee urges all voters to following these steps:

• Print out ballots from official website
• Pick "Yes" or "No"
• Do not make any distinguished marks on ballots
• Write registration number and signature where required
• Include official proof of residency (i.e. driver's license)
• Put ballot in blank envelope then another larger one
• Write address on larger envelope
• Mail ballots or personally hand them in at embassies
• No one is allowed to hand in more than one ballot - as collective vote is forbidden