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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What measures can be implemented to address the concerns raised by the Iraqi Turkmen Front regarding the census process in Iraq?
**Interview with Dr. Tariq Ibrahim, Political Analyst and Expert on Iraqi Governance**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Ibrahim. There are significant concerns surrounding Iraq’s first census in nearly 30 years, particularly regarding the reports of violations by the Iraqi Turkmen Front. Can you elaborate on these concerns?
**Dr. Ibrahim:** Thank you for having me. The upcoming census is a pivotal event for Iraq, but it hasn’t come without its controversies. The Iraqi Turkmen Front has highlighted some serious issues before the census officially began, suggesting that there may have been manipulations or irregularities during the preparations. These allegations point to a lack of transparency, which raises fears among minority groups regarding the accuracy and reliability of the census data.
**Editor:** What are some specific violations that have been reported?
**Dr. Ibrahim:** While the details are still emerging, the Iraqi Turkmen Front has expressed concerns that certain areas may not be properly surveyed, particularly where Turkmen populations reside. There are fears that this could skew results and misrepresent demographic realities. With more than 120,000 surveyors involved in the process and even a two-day curfew being enforced, there are substantial logistics at play that raise questions about oversight and accountability[[1](https://www.sbs.com.au/language/english/en/article/claims-of-deception-as-iraq-runs-its-first-census-in-27-years/q5dgg7i3r)].
**Editor:** What impact could these allegations have on the census results and the political landscape in Iraq?
**Dr. Ibrahim:** If the census is compromised, it could have long-lasting implications for political representation and resource allocation in Iraq. Accurate demographic data is critical for ensuring that all groups, especially minorities, receive proper representation and services. If significant groups believe that the census has not accurately reflected their population, it could stoke tensions and grievances, potentially exacerbating existing divisions within the country[[1](https://www.sbs.com.au/language/english/en/article/claims-of-deception-as-iraq-runs-its-first-census-in-27-years/q5dgg7i3r)].
**Editor:** Given these challenges, what steps should the Iraqi government take to ensure the credibility of the census?
**Dr. Ibrahim:** The government must enhance transparency by allowing independent observers to monitor the process. Engaging with community leaders from various ethnic and religious backgrounds to ensure their concerns are addressed is also crucial. Moreover, providing clear communication about the methodology and safeguards in place would help build trust among the populace, particularly those from minority backgrounds who feel vulnerable[[1](https://www.sbs.com.au/language/english/en/article/claims-of-deception-as-iraq-runs-its-first-census-in-27-years/q5dgg7i3r)].
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Ibrahim, for your insights on this critical issue facing Iraq.
**Dr. Ibrahim:** Thank you for the opportunity to discuss these important matters.
