Hon. Jacob Korok, the Deputy Minister of Information, Communication, Telecommunication, and Postal Services addressing media stakeholders forum in Juba - Credit: Lou Nelson/Eye Radio - Nov. 21, 2023

The Deputy Minister of Information has assured media houses and journalists of full freedom to cover political campaigns ahead of the December 2024 general elections.

Hon. Jacob Korok said the media has a crucial role before, during, and after elections.

He said the public will heavily rely on media to educate and inform them on the electoral processes.

Speaking during a media stakeholder’s forum in Juba on Tuesday, November 21, 2023Jacob added that guaranteed media freedom and opening up civic space is a focus of everybody.

“Elections are coming and the population needs enough information on how to cast their votes, how to approach the polling stations, and how to use their votes to decide their leaders,” Hon. Jacob said.

“I want to assure you that guaranteeing media freedom and opening up civic space is the focus of the government…

Let me assure you that media houses will be given access to cover all the political campaigns next year,” he said.

“The validity of the elections will be measured by how much access and freedom have been given to the media, civil society organizations and political parties during and after election exercises.”