Planning Minister: Population Census Must Remain Free from Political Influence

Federal Planning Ministry

General Population and Housing Census in Iraq.

The Minister of Planning in the Kurdistan Regional Government has emphasised the need to avoid politicising the upcoming general population and housing census in Iraq, which is scheduled for the 20th and 21st of this month. 

Dr. Dara Rashid, Minister of Planning, stated during a press conference on Tuesday, 14th November 2024, in Erbil: "The population census must not be politicised, and the rights of all communities in Iraq must be upheld." He added, "We have completed the necessary preparations for the census in the shortest possible time and with minimal cost."

Dr. Rashid explained that the 1957 census in Iraq will serve as the foundation for the 2024 census, as it ensures the protection of the rights of all communities. He called on the citizens of the Kurdistan Region to cooperate fully in ensuring the success of the census, noting that after 21st November, no one will be able to register for the census. 

Minister Rashid also urged the people of the disputed areas, as outlined in Article 140 of the Constitution, to return to their original hometowns and be present during the census days. He pointed out that "On November 12, 2024, before the visit of federal Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani to the Region, all prior concerns and observations regarding the census were addressed."

Dr. Rashid further explained that the census would determine the Region's share of the federal budget, which was reduced from 17% to approximately 12%. He noted that the census will clarify the Region’s population, which has grown in line with the rest of Iraq's regions. He stressed that the census will also enhance the representation of Kurdistan in the Iraqi parliament and other federal institutions.



PUKMEDIA