THE elections held over the weekend have a significant statistical element in them. Indeed, it was a good example of a statistical undertaking. The only difference with surveys conducted by the Namibia Statistics Agency, and that of the Electoral Commission of Namibia, is that the aim was to find out which party and which presidential candidates the majority of the citizens prefer to rule over the nation’s affairs.
To derive at these answers a statistical survey was conducted, in this case known as elections. At the Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA) we undertake the same processes for our surveys, but just ask different questions. For example, we conduct surveys to find out, amongst others, how many people live in Namibia, where and how they live, how much they earn and how they spend it. We also conduct surveys on our economy, agricultural sector and provide information on our socio-economic affairs including inflation, trade statistics and economic growth.
To the NSA, the statistics we distribute must be timely, accurate, reliable, relevant and credible. From an election perspective these principles are crucial as well. Indeed, without these elements being present, much discontent is sure to arise.
We say statistics must be on time. That means that statistics should be released on time and speak to a time period that makes planning based on them relevant. For example, a few years ago we used to rely on labour market information that was generally four years old. After some time has lapsed it is safe to conclude that things have changed and that the figures provided four years ago are not accurate anymore. This has been improved and we now have labour market information annually.
The same goes for the election results or statistics, for example. If they are not released timeously it might just create doubt in the minds of people.
Accuracy is also an important denominator. Everyone wants accurate statistics and information so as to plan and make decisions according to the reality on the ground.
This applies to both our statistics and the elections just concluded. Accurate statistics are usually influenced by the modus operandi that was used to acquire those statistics. If people question such from the beginning then the end result will be nothing more than a waste of paper. That is because not many will believe it. Hence statisticians and, in this case those responsible for elections, always have to ensure that they leave nothing to chance. Through such a sound process the reliability, relevance and credibility of the outcome will never be questioned but rather approved.
Every survey, no matter how big or small, needs to have a modus operandi. This means that there must be a definite and genuine plan on how to acquire the required information. Vast resources are often pumped into these exercises whose costs include personnel, transport, accommodation, materials, salaries and uniforms, just to mention a few. In that vein the elections and general statistics collection are similar as well.
Statistical undertakings are very important. In the case we looked at today, it is the election statistics that provide us with a foundation of how our next government will look like. The collection, compilation, analysis and dissemination of statistics are hence crucial and can indeed assist all of us in making better decisions for whatever cause. The Namibia Statistics Agency has all sorts of statistics that you can use to make your life much easier. Either come to our offices or visit our website at www.nsa.org.na for any statistics you might need.
By Iipumbu Sackaria
• Iipumbu Sakaria is the Deputy Director for Strategic Communications at the NSA.