Iraq's First Comprehensive Census in Decades
Iraq is set to conduct its first comprehensive population census since 1987 on November 20 and 21, marking a significant national event that could reshape the country's political and social landscape. This census is particularly crucial as it aims to provide an accurate representation of the population distribution and the proportions of various demographic components within Iraq. The last census, conducted in 1997, excluded the Kurdistan Region due to its semi-autonomous status at the time.
The Role of Digitization in the Census Process
The Iraqi government is implementing an electronic census process, which is being hailed as a major advancement in data collection. Abdul Zahra Al-Hindawi, spokesman for the Ministry of Planning, emphasized that this digitization effort is essential for obtaining accurate and timely results. The electronic method will facilitate the collection of data, which is vital for addressing issues in sectors such as health, education, and housing. This shift towards digitization is part of a broader government initiative to modernize services and improve decision-making based on reliable data.
Curfew Measures to Ensure Accurate Data Collection
To ensure the success of the census, a total curfew will be enforced from midnight Tuesday to midnight Thursday. This measure aims to stabilize the population during the data collection process and minimize movement that could lead to inaccuracies. Community activist Mahdi Gharib supports the curfew, noting that it will create a conducive environment for the approximately 10,000 enumerators tasked with collecting data. While many citizens recognize the importance of the census for future planning, there are concerns regarding the curfew's impact on daily wage earners and the economy. Some citizens have expressed their support for the census, viewing it as a necessary step for equitable resource distribution and improved public services.
