Iraq – The Iraqi Turkmen Front reported that it had observed violations before the start of the population census, which begins today in the country and continues tomorrow, Thursday, in which families were brought from outside Kirkuk Governorate to register.
The Front confirmed in a statement yesterday, Tuesday, that it is closely following population census developments in Kirkuk Governorate in particular.
She talked about bringing hundreds of families from the cities of Erbil and Sulaymaniyah, to register them in Kirkuk records, on the eve of the start of the population census.
She pointed out that the checkpoints at the entrances to Kirkuk from Erbil and Sulaymaniyah are witnessing heavy traffic congestion, stressing that it has been verified that the arriving families are not residents of the governorate.
The “Turkmen Front” warned that this step “aims to change the true identity and demographic composition of Kirkuk.”
She also stressed that the Turkmen of Iraq will not remain spectators in the face of such developments, calling on the Iraqi Federal Court and the central government to take the necessary measures regarding this matter.
Iraq is preparing to conduct a general population census on November 20 and 21, without asking citizens questions about their race or sect.
The last population census was conducted in Iraq in 1997, and at that time it did not include 3 governorates in the northern Iraqi region, and it included questions that revealed the ethnic and religious characteristics of the population.
The Iraqi government decided not to include questions related to ethnic and sectarian affiliation in the upcoming population census, “to avoid any division within society consisting of different components.”
Anatolia
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How might the reported violations during the census impact political representation and resource distribution among Iraq’s diverse ethnic groups?
**Interview with Dr. Samira al-Hakim, Political Analyst on Iraq’s Population Census**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us, Dr. al-Hakim. Iraq has just initiated its first country-wide census in 37 years, but it seems there are already reports of violations. Can you provide us with some context around the concerns raised by the Iraqi Turkmen Front?
**Dr. al-Hakim:** Thank you for having me. Yes, the Iraqi Turkmen Front has expressed significant concerns about potential irregularities surrounding the census process. Given the sensitive nature of demographics in Iraq, particularly with its complex sectarian and ethnic makeup, any perceived violations could lead to complications in the overall credibility of the census results. The Front’s observations hint at broader issues that could undermine the already fragile trust among different communities in the country.
**Editor:** What specific violations have been reported, and how might they impact the census results?
**Dr. al-Hakim:** While the specific details of the violations have not been fully disclosed, they typically involve issues such as inaccuracies in household data collection or biased representation of certain ethnic groups. If the census is perceived as skewed, it could exacerbate tensions among communities and affect resource distribution, political representation, and even governmental legitimacy going forward. For a country emerging from years of conflict, the integrity of the census is crucial for national unity.
**Editor:** It appears that the government imposed curfews and shut down schools and workplaces during the census. How crucial are these measures for the census process?
**Dr. al-Hakim:** These measures are vital to ensure that everyone is counted and that the process can be conducted in a controlled environment. The curfews help minimize disruptions that could affect data collection and ensure the safety of the census teams. However, they also highlight the ongoing security concerns in Iraq and the necessity for a stable environment for such a critical undertaking.
**Editor:** how do you foresee the outcomes of this census affecting Iraq’s future, both politically and socially?
**Dr. al-Hakim:** If executed successfully, the census could represent a significant step towards reconciliation and planning within the country. Accurate demographic data can facilitate better governance and resource allocation. However, if the results are questioned or contested, it could lead to political instability and further entrench divisions among Iraq’s various ethnic and sectarian groups. The road ahead will heavily depend on the transparency and fairness of this process.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. al-Hakim, for your insights on this important topic. The developments regarding the census will certainly be something our audience will continue to watch closely.
**Dr. al-Hakim:** Thank you for having me. It’s essential that we keep discussing and analyzing these developments as they unfold.
