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 the Iraqi government implement to ensure that the upcoming census is conducted transparently and without intimidation?
### Interview with Dr. Sara Al-Hassan, Political Analyst on the Recent Iraq Census
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Al-Hassan. As we know, Iraq is conducting its first national census in nearly 40 years. However, the Iraqi Turkmen Front has raised concerns about violations preceding the census. What can you tell us about these allegations?
**Dr. Al-Hassan:** Thank you for having me. Yes, the Iraqi Turkmen Front has reported several irregularities before the census began. These violations may include potential misreporting of population data and threats against individuals who may not provide accurate information. Such issues can undermine the integrity of the census, which is critical for proper representation and resource allocation in the country.
**Interviewer:** What implications could these violations have on the outcomes of the census?
**Dr. Al-Hassan:** The implications could be significant. If certain populations feel pressured to report inaccurately or fear repercussions, the final numbers may not truly reflect the demographic landscape of Iraq. This could impact governance, funding for public services, and political representation, especially in a country where ethnic and religious demographics are quite diverse and politically sensitive.
**Interviewer:** It seems that the census is not just a logistical operation but also a heavily politicized issue. How do you think the Iraqi government is handling these concerns?
**Dr. Al-Hassan:** The government has indicated its commitment to conducting a fair and transparent census, but the actions on the ground tell a different story when violations are reported. The two-day curfew, while perhaps necessary for logistical reasons, raises concerns about freedom of movement and could further exacerbate tensions among different ethnic groups. The government must address these allegations seriously to gain public trust.
**Interviewer:** Looking ahead, what can be done to ensure the census reflects accurate population data?
**Dr. Al-Hassan:** There needs to be a robust independent oversight mechanism in place to monitor the census process. Transparency is key, and involving civil society and international observers may also help. Furthermore, clear communication between the government and communities about the importance of participation without fear could encourage a more accurate and inclusive count.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Al-Hassan, for your insights on this complex issue during a pivotal moment for Iraq.
**Dr. Al-Hassan:** Thank you for having me. It’s crucial that we continue to monitor these developments closely.
This conversation reflects the critical nature of the census in Iraq and the potential hurdles facing its integrity and execution[[1](https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/11/20/iraq-conducts-first-national-census-in-nearly-40-years)].
