The South Sudan National Bureau of statistics (NBS) has said that the recently released population estimation survey which put the country’s population at 12.4 million will not be used to conduct the upcoming 2024 elections.
“The survey results will not be used for elections, we do not advise. It is not possible to use the current figures that we have arrived at, you cannot elect representatives based on the figures that were arrived at using a survey,” Isaiah Chol Aruai, the Chairperson for NBS told journalists in Juba on Thursday.
The population estimation survey conducted from May to June 2021 was based on satellite imagery and enumeration done together with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) across 10 states and three administrative areas.
“The survey results will be used for development planning, decision-making and provision of services, and monitoring the performance of national development strategy as well as the sustainable development goals,” Chol said.
His remarks followed accusation from segments of the public that the results of the population survey were manipulated to suit interests of some powerful politicians.
Chol said that the current population estimates is critical for evidence-based planning and decision-making and as well as for sustainable development.
“The information is from the satellite imagery plus random sample size, some areas were not counted, the question of comparing states, the capital with other states may not be holding because it was a question of sampling,” he said.
