An enumerator (L) from the South Sudan's Commission for Census and Statistical Evaluation, interviews residents of Juba in April 22, 2008 ahead of the first democratic elections. PHOTO | FILE | NMG
South Sudan’s recent attempt at a population census has run into political headwinds, with politicians saying the released figures point to plans to rig an election whose date is yet to be determined.
A number of opposition politicians and some in the civil society questioned the estimates that put the total of the country’s population to 12,444,018 and are demanding what they term “a proper census” as per the 2018 peace agreement. UN estimates had put the population at 11,556,069 even though the current survey was partly supported by the UN itself.
