MONROVIA – The Press Union of Liberia (PUL) has issued a strong plea to all media institutions, including print, electronic, and online media, to refrain from participating in any unauthorized review and proposed validation of the Election Guide for Journalists in Liberia.
In a statement released today, the PUL expressed its deep disappointment with the National Election Commission (NEC) for unilaterally assuming the authority to review a document that rightfully belongs to the Press Union of Liberia.
The PUL is surprised to learn that the NEC has gathered beginner and mid-career journalists in Gompa to review and validate the Election Guide for Journalists without involving the Union’s leadership. Such actions have left us astonished, as the NEC and PUL have historically worked together to keep the Election Guide up-to-date.
The National Media Council (NMC), as the self-regulatory body of the Union, handles issues arising from journalism during election seasons and mediates matters by the Election Guide for Journalists and the Code of Conduct for Liberian Journalists. The PUL questions how the Election Guide can be effectively enforced if the NEC does not recognize the Union as a vital partner in this process.
In an effort to resolve this misunderstanding and ensure collaborative efforts, the PUL proposes a conference involving the Board of Commissioners, Members of the National Media Council, and representatives from the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) to address the disrespect shown to the Union.
Currently, the PUL is under the leadership of Daniel Nyakonah, Jr., Acting President, and Akoi M. Baysah, Jr., Secretary General. This leadership took over after the resignation of Charles B. Coffey, Jr., and Musa MB Kenneh as President and Secretary General, respectively, in the face of ongoing dispute concerning the November 2022 election. The case, filed by Julius K. Kanubah and his defeated campaign, is currently under review by the full bench of the Supreme Court.
About the Press Union of Liberia (PUL)
The Press Union of Liberia is the foremost professional body representing journalists in Liberia. Since its inception, the PUL has been dedicated to promoting press freedom, protecting journalists’ rights, and upholding journalistic integrity in the country.
