“As representatives of the Turkmen component, we have expressed our view that this census should not be a political tool concerning the future administrative and political status of Kirkuk or any implementation of Article 140,” Arshad al-Salihi, the head of the Iraqi Turkmen Front bloc at the Iraqi parliament, told reporters.
Article 140 of the Iraqi constitution outlines a process for resolving disputes over these territories, including compensation for Arab settlers and the return of lands to their original owners.
On the same day, Salihi attended a meeting with Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid, Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani and representatives of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG).
Sudani’s office said in a statement that the census process was discussed.
“The ongoing preparations for the launch of the national population census were also discussed, given its key role in achieving economic and social development. Several observations related to the census process were addressed to reach solid and accurate understandings that would overcome any obstacles or issues that might hinder the process and its outcomes,” the statement said, adding that the attendees stressed the need to conduct the census on time.
The Iraqi census process began in September, raising concerns among some Kurdish officials about potential demographic shifts in disputed areas, particularly in the oil-rich city of Kirkuk. The actual process will be carried out on November 20-21.
Salihi told Rudaw last month that the 1957 census remains the most reliable, as subsequent ones were biased under the Baath regime.
He told reporters on Thursday that he emphasized to Sudani the necessity of having a federal decree declaring that only the 1957 census will be relied upon for political purposes, otherwise they will not accept any other censuses.
The politician also said the main concern is with the influx of people into Kirkuk.
“How can we rely on this [census] after the displacement and influx of people in mixed areas, especially in Kirkuk? I consider Kirkuk a unique case due to demographic changes, and if these concerns are not addressed, how can I be part of the population census in the future?” he asked.
This census will be Iraq’s first general population count since 1997 and the first to include the provinces in the Kurdistan Region since 1987.
