Iraq and the Kurdistan Region commenced a groundbreaking population census process on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, starting at 7:00 a.m. local time. For the first time in Iraq's history, the entire process—from data collection to submission, counting, and classification—is being conducted electronically.

Dr. Dara Rashid, Minister of Planning in the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), hailed the successful launch of the census during a press conference. "With the Federal Ministry of Planning’s coordination, we successfully completed the first day of the census," he announced. He extended his gratitude to the Kurdistan Statistical Board and statistical directorates in Erbil, Sulaimani, Duhok, Halabja, Soran, Raperin, and Garmian for their significant contributions.

Despite minor technical challenges with tablet devices, Dr. Rashid confirmed that the issues were swiftly resolved with assistance from the Federal Government. He also expressed appreciation for Kurdish citizens residing outside the KRG’s authority who returned to their ancestral regions to participate in the census.

Importance of the Census

The population census has been eagerly awaited by citizens and officials, as it plays a crucial role in determining population proportions, ethnic demographics, and equitable budget allocation between the Kurdistan Region and Iraq's Federal Government. Dr. Rashid emphasized that the census ensures fairness in addressing indigenous citizens' concerns and budgeting disputes.

Iraqi Minister of Planning Mohammed Ali Tamim underscored the broader impact of the census, stating that the data will influence social care, economic justice, and service improvements nationwide. The census is scheduled to run for two days, concluding on Thursday, November 21, 2024. He urged citizens to cooperate with the counting teams and provide accurate information.

A Historical Undertaking

This census is the tenth in Iraq's modern history, following the last nationwide count in 1997, which excluded the Kurdistan Region. Attempts to conduct a census in 2007 and 2009 were delayed due to security concerns, and a 2019 effort was postponed amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Unlike previous censuses, the current process avoids questions about ethnicity or religious sect, raising concerns among some ethnic groups, including Kurds and Turkmen, about the lack of nationalism in the form.

Lockdown Enforced for Census

A general curfew was imposed across Iraq and the Kurdistan Region to facilitate the census. Public and vehicular movement was banned nationwide, with exemptions for the army, police, local security forces, and emergency cases.

Preliminary Results Expected

Abdul Zahra al-Hindawi, spokesperson for the Iraqi Planning Ministry, announced that preliminary results would be released within 24 hours after the census concludes. These results will encompass all Iraqi citizens, including refugees.

Looking Ahead

Officials emphasize that the census data will be instrumental in planning Iraq’s development programs and policies. By gathering accurate demographic information, Iraq aims to address pressing social and economic challenges, ensuring a more equitable future for its citizens.