Amman: The Parliamentary Bloc of the Initiative Party, chaired by MP Ahmad Al-Hmeisat, engaged in discussions with Director-General of the Department of Statistics, Haidar Freihat, focusing on various aspects of statistics and the population census. The meeting addressed the implementation mechanisms and objectives of the census amidst the fast-paced developments in digital transformation.
According to Jordan News Agency, Al-Hmeisat emphasized the significance of the statistics and population census as a vital national project. He questioned the objectives of the statistical process, particularly whether it aimed to determine poverty and unemployment rates in the Kingdom, and explored what new elements would be included in the 2026 statistics.
MPs including Tareq Bani Hani, Hammoud Al-Zawahreh, Rand Al-Khazouz, and others advocated for modernizing the approach to statistics and the census by adopting digital and electronic methods. This shift aligns with the increasing automation of government services available through the Sanad application. They highlighted that conducting the census electronically would be cost-effective and time-efficient, while also commending the Department of Statistics for its role.
Freihat mentioned that the upcoming population census would be the seventh in Jordan's history, with daily statistical surveys conducted to assess unemployment rates and other indicators. The census questionnaire comprises 65 questions, emphasizing the importance of field visits for data collection despite advancements in technology.
He assured that the Department of Statistics has implemented all necessary measures to safeguard statistical information and data. The population census is part of Jordan's adherence to international standards and commitments related to population censuses and official statistics.