![Spokesman of NDM Mahmoud Akot. [Photo courtesy]](https://i0.wp.com/www.sudanspost.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/3cc12e8f-8539-47bb-9728-00386dc69996.jpg?resize=1024%2C807&ssl=1)
JUBA, MARCH 10, 2023 (SUDANS POST) — A senior member of the opposition National Democratic Movement (NDM) led by Dr. Lam Akol Ajawin has expressed shock over the latest government population estimates.
In an email to Sudans Post, NDM spokesman Mahmoud Akot stated that the results of the government population estimates survey the government said it conducted between May and June last year was “prepared in the dark without everyone’s knowledge and lacks credibility.”
According to Akot, accuracy of any population census is crucial in determining fair distribution of services and development plans for the country, criticizing government plans to adopt the 2008 census due to alleged lack of resources and insecurity.
“We are now a nascent country and need to develop long-term strategic plans in favor of providing basic services to the population,” said Akot.
The senior opposition official further stressed that census is not just related to elections and that the government’s approach raises questions about its commitment to the citizens’ welfare and the future of the country.
The NDM spokesman went on to suggest that a new population census should be conducted soon to ensure balanced development and fair services delivery for all citizens.
Akot also expressed concern that adopting the inaccurate population estimate could harm the trust factor in the upcoming elections, particularly as the country is in a democratic transition.
“How will others trust the election results later if the census was originally inaccurate?” asked Akot.
