GBARNGA, BONG COUNTY – In a landmark decision, the Ninth Judicial Circuit Court in Gbarnga, Bong County has cancelled the results of the contentious 2022 election of the Press Union of Liberia (PUL). Presiding Judge J. Boima Kontoe ruled that the election violated the Union’s Constitution and Campaign Guidelines, mandating a complete rerun by October 18, 2024.
The motion for summary judgment was brought forward by lawyers representing Julius Kanubah’s national campaign management team, seeking a ruling on their original petition for declaratory judgment filed in November 2022. The petition highlighted the failure of the former PUL leadership, under Charles Coffey, to provide a credible membership registry, instead presenting a questionable voter roll rife with ineligible members and non-journalists.
Judge Kontoe’s ruling also calls for the establishment of an interim committee to oversee the Union’s leadership and ensure a fair election process. This committee will consist of seven former PUL presidents and four media elders, tasked with conducting the new election and cleaning the voter roll in accordance with Article 10 Section 7 of the PUL constitution.
The former PUL leadership, including Coffey, Daniel Nyakonah, Musa Kenneh, and Akoi Baysah, along with relevant committee members and their lawyer, have been fined US$300 each for their disregard of court proceedings. They are required to pay the fines within 72 hours or face arrest and detention.
In response to the ruling, Team Kanubah has announced a special press conference on Thursday, June 20, 2024, to address the public and media regarding the court’s decision and their plans moving forward.
