Press Union of Liberia Elects New Leadership Amidst Controversy.
By: Melvin Flomo
The Press Union of Liberia (PUL) has elected a new leadership, signaling a fresh chapter for the organization after a period of internal strife.
The PUL elected officials include Julius Kanubah serving as President, with Beatrice Sieh as Vice President, Akoi Baysah as Secretary-General, and Julius Konton taking on the role of Assistant Secretary-General.
This transition follows a contentious election held on November 19, 2022, in Gbarnga, which faced significant challenges. The previous election was annulled by the Resident Judge of the 9th Judicial Circuit Court, highlighting deep divisions within the union.
Furthermore On June 18, 2024, Judge Boima Konto delivered a ruling that set the stage for the recent elections. He ordered the establishment of an interim committee tasked with reviewing and cleansing the union’s membership rolls, aimed at restoring order and legitimacy within the organization.
The interim committee was composed of seven former leaders and four media elders, emphasizing a collaborative approach to resolving the union’s issues. Their efforts were instrumental in facilitating the new elections, which were held under heightened scrutiny to ensure transparency and fairness.
In his acceptance speech, newly elected President Julius Kanubah underscored the importance of unity and collaboration among PUL members. He acknowledged the recent challenges the union has faced and expressed his commitment to rebuilding trust and fostering a sense of shared purpose. Kanubah also promised to strengthen the PUL’s role as a guardian of press freedom and an advocate for journalists’ rights.
Meanwhile, Vice President Beatrice Sieh echoed these sentiments, calling for a collective effort to strengthen the PUL’s role in advocating for press freedom and the rights of journalists in Liberia. She stressed the need for ongoing dialogue among members to address existing grievances.
Secretary-General Akoi Baysah, at the same time, outlined plans to engage with stakeholders and enhance the union’s visibility both locally and internationally. He emphasized the significance of fostering partnerships to advance the interests of journalists in Liberia.
As the newly elected leaders take office, the PUL faces the challenge of navigating past disputes while positioning itself as a strong advocate for press freedom in the country. With the elections now concluded, the focus will shift to implementing strategies that will reinforce the union’s mission and support its members effectively.
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