Census concerns remain, Election looms

Papua New Guinea is facing renewed concerns over its Population and Household Census, a decennial exercise that was notably delayed, occurring 13 years after the 2011 census. The accuracy of the total population figure and the methods employed in conducting the census have drawn significant criticism from professionals and senior public servants.

These concerns echo those raised following the "unreliable" 2011 census, suggesting a pattern of issues with the country's demographic data collection. The timing of these renewed questions is particularly sensitive as the nation approaches an election, where accurate population data is crucial for various planning and electoral processes.

The article highlights the discrepancy between the intended 10-year cycle and the 13-year gap, implying potential systemic issues in the census administration. While the exact nature of the inaccuracies and methodological flaws are not detailed in the provided text, the mention of "serious concerns" from credible sources indicates a significant problem.

Further details and analysis of the census concerns are available to subscribers of the Post Courier, with options for daily or combined web and eBook access. The article serves as a brief alert to an ongoing issue with potentially wide-ranging implications for national planning and governance.