North Fly MP, James Donald, has issued a statement on Sunday, August 11th, demanding the immediate resignation of Administrative Services Minister, Richard Masere, due to his poor handling of the 2024 Census and unresolved questions surrounding a K17 million contract for tablets. Initially scheduled for June 17-30, the census has seen significant delays, says Donald who is also People's Reform Party leader. Donald alleged there are 'no results' so far, criticising Masere’s leadership, and labelling it a 'disgrace'. "With all due respect to Minister Masere, I ask him to do the decent thing expected of him as a public official and resign over his handling of the failed census," Donald's statement read. "So many issues have plagued this national event from the start, ranging from unpaid allowances, logistical issues, lack of resources, and other technical glitches." Singling out the most controversial aspect of the census, Donald highlighted the K17 million contract for 22, 000 tablets. Donald raised concerns about the contractor’s credentials, questioning their ability to supply such technology. He further suggested a personal connection between Minister Masere and the contractor, deepening suspicions of misconduct. "In addition, highly reliable sources indicate there is an alleged personal connection between the minister and the contractor," Donald stated. He urged Prime Minister James Marape to act but expressed doubt, saying, "I call on the minister to resign as I know Prime Minister Marape won't have the moral integrity to sack him for his failure to execute this important project." Donald described the census as another poorly planned and underfunded government project. He also blamed Prime Minister Marape for setting up Masere to fail by appointing him to oversee such a significant national task without sufficient support. "Minister Masere was expected to deliver one of the most significant planning milestones in our calendar this year, but it has been a disaster." Donald further criticized the political influence in government operations, arguing that the responsibility for the census should have been left with the National Statistical Office (NSO). His statement further points out that the government failed to provide the NSO with the necessary funding on time, leading to last-minute delays. "All the government had to do was ensure NSO received their funding on time; we know this was not the case," he said. Some provinces have managed to make progress, but only due to the intervention of provincial governments and district administrations. "Many of our provincial governments had to step in and assist the census officials with resources, funding, and other logistical support because the government failed their part."