Published: September 1, 2025
CAPITOL HILL, Monrovia — Emmanuel Kollie of the Liberia Broadcasting System has been elected president of the Legislative Press Pool (LEGISPOOL), defeating challenger Blamo N. Toe of The Liberian Investigator in a spirited election that leaders hailed as a demonstration of the group’s democratic maturity.
The election, held Friday at the Capitol Building, was supervised by an Independent Elections Committee led by Anthony Q. Jiffan Jr., with Grace Bryant-Mollay and Emmanuel Weedee Conway serving as co-chair and secretary.
A Competitive Race
Kollie secured 33 votes to Toe’s 25 out of 58 valid ballots cast. Women TV’s D. Laymah Kollie was elected vice president with 25 votes. Gibson Gee of The Liberian Investigator won the secretary-general post with 37 votes, while Feona Benson-Kollie of Inprofile Daily and Meshack Muin of Fortified TV were elected unopposed as assistant secretary-general and financial secretary.
The congress opened with a ceremony chaired by Prince Mulbah. Veteran journalist Malcolm Joseph, executive director of the Center for Media Studies and Peacebuilding, delivered the keynote address, urging reporters to strengthen their ethics and independence.
“The credibility of the Legislature depends in part on how fairly and independently you report its workings,” Joseph said. “A united LEGISPOOL strengthens the profession and democracy itself.”
Press Union of Liberia President Julius Kullie Kanubah, LEGISPOOL’s founding president, recalled the institution’s turbulent beginnings and praised its growth into a respected professional body. Messages of solidarity came from FeJAL, RAL, the Judicial Reporters, and the Executive Mansion Press Corps.
Olive Branch Extended
In his victory remarks, Kollie thanked members for their confidence and pledged inclusive leadership.
“To those who chose differently, we respect your decision and remain committed to serving all members of LEGISPOOL without fear or favor,” he said. Turning to his rival, he added: “Blamo Toe is a professional whose excellence we admire. I look forward to working with him and all colleagues to build a stronger and more united LEGISPOOL.”
Kollie also outlined a Six-Pillar Agenda aimed at reforming, rebranding, and repositioning the body to improve members’ welfare and visibility.
Toe, in a show of sportsmanship, congratulated Kollie on Facebook, describing the election as “democratic, fair, and deserving.”
“Prior to and during the elections, we fought intensely to win the confidence of our colleagues,” he wrote. “However, we both shared a similar goal: to provide responsible leadership to elevate LEGISPOOL. I pledge my full support to this new team of energetic professionals.”
He urged members to rally behind the new leadership, declaring: “If you will support because of me or Emmanuel, please do it. But most importantly, support for ONE LEGISPOOL.”
Observers said the peaceful outcome and post-election unity underscored LEGISPOOL’s resilience. But challenges remain, including limited resources, inconsistent dues, and low member participation.
Many believe Kollie’s Six-Pillar Agenda, if implemented, could strengthen the institution and elevate the role of legislative reporters in Liberia’s democratic process.
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