The office of Information Minister Paul Morcos issued a statement clarifying the legal framework for media participation in the electoral process, based on the decision and announcement of the Election Supervisory Authority regarding organizing this participation.
The statement indicated that the Ministry of Information, in coordination with the Election Supervisory Authority, reviewed the provisions of Law No. 2017/44, especially Article 71 related to paid electoral advertising, with the aim of correcting the previous interpretation regarding the participation of official media in paid electoral advertising.
The statement stressed that this review confirmed the right of official media, like other private media, to participate in paid electoral propaganda and advertising, affirming the principle of equality and equal opportunities between various media institutions.
On the other hand, the statement stressed the need to adhere to the provisions of Article 73 of the same law, which gives the list or candidate the right to use the official media for free, only to present the electoral program, and in accordance with the legal provisions and rules determined by the Election Supervisory Authority.
The Minister of Information called on all official and private media outlets wishing to participate in electoral propaganda and s to abide by the decisions and announcements of the Election Supervisory Authority, and to submit a statement to the authority that includes the desire to participate, the price list, and the allocated media spaces, while fully adhering to what is stated therein.
In conclusion, the statement stressed that all provisions and procedures related to this remain within the jurisdiction of the Election Supervisory Authority, which can be referred to in everything related to organizing the media process during the elections.
