27/10/2025
Press Statement on the Reporters Association of Liberia (RAL) Independent Elections Committee’s Disqualification of Female Candidates and the Untimely Enforcement of Due Payments Ahead of Elective Congress
Issued: Monday, October 27, 2025
By: Team Barclay C. Karnley, Jr.
Fellow colleagues, members of the Fourth Estate, and friends of the media—warm greetings.
We extend heartfelt appreciation to all of you who have taken time from your busy schedules to attend this important press conference. To the thousands of professional colleagues following across various media platforms, we recognize your courage, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to uphold the ideals of credible, independent, and responsible journalism in Liberia.
We have convened this press conference to address two major concerns that now threaten the credibility, transparency, and unity of the Reporters Association of Liberia (RAL) ahead of its much-anticipated elective congress.
These issues are:
1. The unjust and discriminatory disqualification of the only two female candidates from the election; and
2. The untimely and politically charged enforcement of due payments by the Independent Elections Committee (IEC) and the outgoing leadership.
1. On the Disqualification of the Only Two Female Candidates
The Independent Elections Committee (IEC), chaired by Mr. Frank P. Martin, recently announced the disqualification of Ms. Cynthia Quinisier of Hot Pepper Newspaper and Ms. Princess Kamara of Kear Radio, citing failure to meet the in-person credential verification requirement.
However, both colleagues had earlier communicated with the Committee’s Secretary, Mr. Joseph N. Kerkula, informing him of their health conditions and compliance with the Ministry of Health’s advisory for individuals experiencing flu symptoms to remain home and observe their health status.
The problem here, colleagues, is not noncompliance—it is poor coordination, weak communication, and inconsistency between the Committee’s Chair and its Secretary. The consequence of their failure has unfairly punished two professional female reporters who have served this Association diligently and with integrity.
This action directly contradicts Article 10, Section 5 of the RAL Constitution, which provides that “All RAL members desirous of attending Congress must satisfy membership criteria provided for by this Constitution to include, but not limited to, being a duly registered and certified due payer.”
Nowhere does the Constitution make in-person presence for verification a condition for qualification. Therefore, the disqualification of these two female candidates is unconstitutional, discriminatory, and unacceptable.
We, therefore, demand their immediate reinstatement within the next 24 hours in accordance with the demand of the vast majority of RAL members and candidates. Anything short of this will be considered a direct provocation and a deliberate attempt to undermine the democratic process of our Association.
2. On the Untimely and Politically Charged Enforcement of Due Payments
The sudden decision by the IEC and the outgoing leadership to enforce dues collection—requiring candidates to pay US$15 (US$5 per year) and reporters to pay arrears covering the past three years—is untimely, unreasonable, and strategically intended to disenfranchise and entrap certain candidates and members.
While we acknowledge and respect the importance of dues as outlined under Article 10, Section 5 and Article 11, Sections 1–3 of the 2016 RAL Constitution, we reject the timing, manner, and intent of this enforcement.
For years, the leadership has failed to provide any credible payment mechanism or communication channels, never convened a mass meeting to address dues, and now seeks to weaponize this issue during elections.
Let it be known: Team Barclay is not against dues payment. We are against the timing, selectiveness, and hidden motives behind this abrupt enforcement during a politically sensitive period. If the IEC and the leadership fail to listen to the increasing resistance from the majority of members, we will not hesitate to pursue other legitimate means to ensure justice and fairness prevail.
3. Team Barclay’s Vision: Revive, Advocate, and Lead
Team Barclay represents a group of seasoned, integrity-driven, well-respected, competent, and humble professionals who are determined to restore dignity, accountability, and direction to the RAL.
Our team includes:
· Barclay C. Karnley, Jr. – Presidential Candidate
· Sei Koyea – Vice Presidential Candidate
· Blamo N. Toe – Secretary-General Candidate
· Princess Kamara – Assistant Secretary-General Candidate
· Cynthia Quinisier – Financial Secretary Candidate
Under our transformative platform “Revive, Advocate, and Lead (RAL)”, we are committed to ensuring that past leaderships are audited to account for their stewardship, financial transactions, and administrative actions.
Our goal is to restore sanity, transparency, and accountability to the Association — so that the RAL once again becomes a respected voice representing the true interests of reporters across Liberia.
Call for Immediate Intervention
We are calling on the leadership of the Press Union of Liberia (PUL) and the outgoing RAL administration to immediately intervene in these unfolding issues. Failure to do so will only provoke anger and stiff resistance from members who are already disenchanted with how the process is being handled.
The RAL belongs to all Liberian reporters — not a select few. No group should be allowed to manipulate the process or silence voices under the guise of enforcement.
A 24-Hour Ultimatum for Action
Without mincing words, we are giving the Independent Elections Committee a 24-hour ultimatum to:
1. Reinstate the two female candidates—Ms. Quinisier and Ms. Kamara—who were unfairly disqualified; and
2. Suspend the abrupt dues enforcement policy until after the election when a new, legitimate leadership can engage members to develop a fair and transparent mechanism for compliance.
Failure to act within this timeframe will compel us and the vast majority of members to adopt other lawful and decisive measures in defense of democracy, fairness, and the integrity of our noble Association.
The RAL must not become a playground for manipulation, exclusion, and double standards. This is the time to stand up, speak out, and defend the principles we report about daily — fairness, accountability, and justice.
Thank you.
Signed:
Anthony Q. Jiffan, Jr.
Chairman, Team Barclay for RAL Leadership
