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Iraq plans to release preliminary census results this week, reports high compliance

According to al-Hindawi, the registration process has achieved approximately 70% completion rate, with the remaining households expected to be counted before the curfew ends at midnight tonight.

Abdul Zahra al-Hindawi, spokesperson for the Iraqi Ministry of Planning. (Photo: Kurdistan24)
Abdul Zahra al-Hindawi, spokesperson for the Iraqi Ministry of Planning. (Photo: Kurdistan24)

Nov. 21, 2024

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) - The Iraqi Ministry of Planning's spokesperson announced on Thursday that preliminary census results could be released as early as this week, citing strong citizen cooperation with enumerators across the country.

"The census process has been largely successful, with citizens showing excellent cooperation with our enumerators, who in turn have made maximum efforts to register all families," Abdul Zahra al-Hindawi, spokesperson for the Iraqi Ministry of Planning, told Kurdistan24.

According to al-Hindawi, the registration process has achieved approximately 70% completion rate, with the remaining households expected to be counted before the curfew ends at midnight tonight.

"The third phase will commence after completing the current stage and continue until December 10, 2024. During this phase, enumerators will revisit families to collect detailed household information," al-Hindawi explained.

Addressing concerns about unresponsive households, al-Hindawi noted that such cases were minimal, with enumerators scheduled to make return visits to complete the count. He also confirmed that Iraqi citizens temporarily abroad for medical treatment or education would be included in the count, provided their families can present proper identification.

Key Points:
- Preliminary results expected this week will include:
  - Total population of Iraq
  - Population distribution by province
  - Gender demographics
- Final results anticipated in approximately six weeks
- Movement restrictions to remain in effect until midnight tonight

This census represents Iraq's first comprehensive population count since 1987. The use of digital technology and tablets for data collection marks a significant modernization of the process. The census is particularly important for resource allocation, development planning, and addressing demographic changes that have occurred over the past decades due to various political and social developments in Iraq.