Citizens and institutions should be encouraged to take part in the successful administering of the Census, because the operation is of vital significance for the future creation of the country’s development policies, based on precise data, for the purpose of macroeconomic planning and the country’s progress, said Parliament Speaker Talat Xhaferi in an address at the coordination meeting organized by the State Statistical Office with the country’s top officials and mayors on Friday.

“As a member of the United Nations, North Macedonia observes the obligations arising from this membership, and that is why the Census will be administered in accordance with recommendations by the European Commission, the UN and Eurostat. I am certain that the State Statistical Office has made all preparations for the operation,” said Speaker Xhaferi.

He said the census, which is perceived across the globe as the most comprehensive statistical operation, is seen in the country through the political prism.

“I will not go into the reasons for this but I am certain in one thing: the census is not and should not be a political operation,” said Xhaferi.

According to him, the State Statistical Office, ministries, local authorities and other stakeholders are involved in the activities related to the census, which is considered an operation of high national interest.

“Every institution is providing enormous contribution for the proper administering of the census, which results will be an excellent foundation for adoption of laws and development policies based on precise data, directly benefiting citizens and local self-government units,” said Xhaferi.

He urged everyone to support the census takers and give accurate data.

“Let’s leave the selfish thinking behind and rise above the situation by accepting the census results. I hope the month of April will reaffirm the country’s maturity and our readiness to join the European family as a full-fledged member in the near future,” underlined Speaker Xhaferi.