APC Demands Reversal of 2025 Census Delay, Cites Legal and Political Concerns

The All Peoples Congress (APC) has strongly condemned the government’s decision to postpone the 2025 national census to 2026, describing the move as “unjust and unconstitutional.” The party raised its concerns during a press conference held in Freetown, where senior party officials, including Secretary General Lawyer Lansana Dumbuya, addressed the media.

According to the APC, the delay undermines the principles of democratic governance and threatens the integrity and transparency of electoral processes. Lawyer Dumbuya emphasized that the census plays a critical role in determining electoral boundaries, resource allocation, and development planning. He warned that any manipulation or delay of such a vital national exercise could have far-reaching consequences for political representation and public trust in state institutions.

“The decision to shift the census lacks legal basis and disregards the importance of timely and accurate data collection for national planning,” Dumbuya said. “This delay could compromise the fairness of future elections, particularly the allocation of parliamentary seats, which are determined based on population figures from the census.”

The APC further criticized what it described as a lack of consultation and transparency in the decision-making process. Party officials accused the government of unilaterally pushing forward the date without adequate justification or engagement with key stakeholders, including opposition parties and civil society organizations.

The party called on the government to reverse the decision and adhere to the original 2025 timeline, urging the Electoral Commission and relevant institutions to ensure that the census is conducted in a manner that upholds constitutional provisions and democratic norms.

So far, the government has not issued a detailed explanation for the postponement, nor has it responded directly to the APC’s allegations.