'Census verification will prevent false residency claims', says Kirkuk Governor
Kirkuk's demographic composition has been a sensitive issue in Iraqi politics, particularly concerning Article 140 of the Iraqi Constitution, which calls for normalization of the situation in Kurdistani territories outside the KRG administration.

Nov. 21, 2024
ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) - Kirkuk Governor Rebwar Taha assured on Thursday that the ongoing census process includes strict verification measures, emphasizing that "no one can falsely claim Kirkuk residency" as official documents will determine citizens' legitimate place of origin.
During a press conference addressing the census progress in Kirkuk province, Taha revealed that approximately 80% of the province's residents have been registered since the process began on Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024.
"The preliminary data suggests Kirkuk's population could exceed 1.9 million, significantly higher than the previous estimate of 1.35 million," Taha stated. "This increase would directly impact the province's budget allocation, employment opportunities, and national electricity distribution quota, among other essential services affecting daily life."
The governor urged residents to remain in their homes until the completion of the census at midnight Thursday, emphasizing that "your presence at home ensures a successful census process, facilitates the work of enumeration teams, and counters any potential propaganda."
Addressing identity verification concerns, Taha explained, "Like myself and my father, every citizen has identification documents that clearly establish their city of origin. These official documents are the sole determinant of residency status."
Kirkuk's demographic composition has been a sensitive issue in Iraqi politics, particularly concerning Article 140 of the Iraqi Constitution, which calls for normalization of the situation in Kurdistani territories outside the KRG administration.
The current census holds special significance for Kirkuk as it represents the first comprehensive population count since 1987.
The province's demographic data is crucial for resolving long-standing disputes and ensuring fair resource allocation. The emphasis on document verification reflects the authorities' commitment to maintaining the integrity of the census process in this historically contested region.