State Statistical Office (SSO) Director Apostol Simovski  hopes that after 20 years without census in the country the citizens will see enough sense to understand that we need this operation, and that not having census data since 2011 costs us terribly both as a country and as citizens.

Commenting on the negative campaign on social networks over the census, Simovski told an interview with 360 Degrees that it was something he really can’t understand, adding that those were people who obviously didn’t wish their own country and the citizens well.

The census is a statistical operation in the interest of all citizens, and it’s neither conducted for the Government nor for any political party, Simovski said pointing out that utmost effort will be made to conduct the census.

“The problem is not whether anyone will be fined or not, It’s very easy to give somebody a fine, and this will happen if data aren’t provided. But the point is to collect data instead. We’re going ahead with this operation that has been prepared for quite a long time, costs a lot of money, involves a lot of people and it would be horrible if that’s all in vain,” said Simovski.

Asked how citizens will be convinced that the census is safe at a time when the number of COVID-19 cases is on the rise, Simovski said the safety of the census process is guaranteed, all protocols in place will be observed and no one will be put at risk. However, he add, there’s no guarantee in terms of irresponsible behavior of individuals.

“The Commission for Infectious Diseases has carefully considered all possible situations and passed rigorous recommendations. These recommendations have been adopted by a Government’s decision and it is our obligation to respect them. However, citizens must observe these protocols as well,” Simovski says.