Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry has directed that preparations be completed ahead of a referendum on proposed constitutional amendments that should kick off outside Egypt Friday.Egypt's diplomatic missions abroad do play an important role in encouraging expats to cast their votes, Shoukry said Thursday. The Foreign Ministry and the National Election Authority (NEA) have formed a committee to oversee the voting process abroad, the top diplomat said, adding that the committee will also be in contact with Egyptian missions around the clock. He made it clear that 140 ballot stations have been prepared to receive eligible voters in 124 countries which have diplomatic relations with Egypt. Egyptian expats should vote on the constitutional amendments on April 19-21.