Peter Lam Both says data from 2008 census should be used for 2023 elections

JUBA – The Secretary-General of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) party Peter Lam Both has said that the world’s youngest country should use the 2008 census to help organize the election slated for end of the transitional period in 2023.

Based on the 2008 census, South Sudan population stood at 8.7 million people, but was expected to reach 11.12 million by the end of 2020, according to Trading Economics global macro models and analysts’ expectations.

In the long-term, the South Sudan Population was projected to trend around 11.19 million in 2021 and 11.26 million in 2022.

Population census is important in conducting elections, but time, insecurity and limited resources make it difficult for the South Sudan parties to the revitalized peace agreement to conduct it.

Speaking to hundreds of SPLM supporters during a rally in Eastern Equatoria state on Sunday, SPLM Lam promised that all required tasks that may hinder elections will be completed by the end of 20023 and the country will go for elections in 2023.

“All the requirements for the conduct of elections will be completed before the end of this year,” he said.

“I will take the message to the President that the issue of cattle has become a problem to the people of Magwi County. The destruction of farms by cattle is wrong and must be dealt with accordingly,” he added.

He said his group is calling for the use of the 2008 census for the upcoming 2023 elections, something prominent opposition leaders such as First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar Teny has refused.

“We are saying, let us use the 2008 Census for conducting the 2023 elections, with projections up to what would have been the results in 2023,” he said.