Myanmar regime to conduct ‘nationwide’ census in October

Myanmar’s junta chief, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, has announced plans to conduct a national census in the first half of October, according to state media. In a video speech delivered on Sunday, Min Aung Hlaing stated that the census—the first in a decade—will take place from October 1 to 15, the Global New Light of Myanmar reported. The census, which will collect population, economic, and social data, will be conducted “in the entire nation or a set plot,” the regime’s mouthpiece quoted Min Aung Hlaing as saying. A “set plot” may refer to regions controlled by the regime, which has experienced significant territorial losses since seizing power in a coup more than three years ago. Myanmar’s last census was conducted in 2014, during a period of transition under the quasi-civilian administration of former general Thein Sein. At that time, the census was seen as a crucial step towards ending decades of isolation and paving the way for future development. Since then, the military has ended its decade-long experiment with shared power and overturned the civilian government led by Aung San Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy, undermining hopes for political and economic stability. Under the current regime, at least three million civilians have been displaced by ongoing conflict, with millions more caught in contested zones. Despite the challenges posed by widespread civil conflict, Min Aung Hlaing expressed confidence that the census could be conducted to “international standards.” “Our government is arranging the enumeration process for the population and household census in accordance with international standards,” he said, noting that preparatory work has been underway since the regime took power. Min Aung Hlaing also mentioned that the census data would help with compiling accurate voter lists for elections promised for next year. Thailand, a close ally of the regime, has offered assistance with the census, while Russia has expressed support for the upcoming election. In his speech, Min Aung Hlaing urged all citizens to actively participate in the census, which will be carried out door-to-door. Human rights groups have expressed concern that the regime might use the census data to reinforce its control over areas under its jurisdiction.

Myanmar regime to conduct ‘nationwide’ census in October

In a speech delivered on Sunday, junta chief Min Aung Hlaing said the census would meet “international standards”

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