Home » Press & Media » Statements and Releases

Office of the Chairman,
Khartoum

For Immediate Release
13 April 2008

PRESS RELEASE
AEC Special Session Conclusions on the Census

The Assessment and Evaluation Commission (AEC) held an emergency Special Plenary Session on the census on 13 April after the Government of Southern Sudan, on 12 April, 2008, had announced the postponement of the 5th national population and housing census in the South. In this session, the members agreed on the following conclusion: "The members of the AEC are deeply concerned about the possibility of a delay in the implementation of the national Census, planned for 15-30 April, 2008. Such a delay may have serious consequences for successful implementation of the CPA. In view of the urgency of the matter, the members of the AEC authorize the Chair to contact the Presidency as soon as possible to convey the Commission's collective concerns, with the objective of having the Census implemented without any delay. The Chair should consult and inform the Commission of his contacts with the Presidency."

The Chairman met with the presidency, which was deliberating over GoSS decision, and communicated the conclusion to it. The Presidency reiterated its commitment to conduct the Census but decided to change the date from 15 to 22 April, 2008. On 15 April, the GoSS Coucil of Ministers agreed to proceed with the census and endorsed the new census date of 22 April, 2008.

The 5th Population and Housing Census took place from 22 April to 6 May, 2008.

End of statement