Monrovia, Liberia — As the Reporters Association of Liberia (RAL) gears up for its much-anticipated Congress and Elections, Team Webster Clayeh has expressed serious concerns about irregularities that could undermine the credibility and fairness of the process.
In a statement issued on Monday, Team Webster Clayeh pointed to what it described as lapses and questionable decisions by the RAL Electoral Committee, chaired by journalist Frank Martin, that threaten to cast doubt on the transparency of the election.
According to the team, the RAL election has been tentatively set for Friday, October 31, 2025, but no official communication has been made regarding the venue or the official launch of campaign activities.
“RAL, being the largest auxiliary of the Press Union of Liberia (PUL), has a responsibility to ensure that all members are properly informed through the right communication channels,” the statement reads.
“Unfortunately, the Electoral Committee has failed to do so, creating confusion, limiting participation, and weakening confidence in the process.”
Questions Over Dues Payment Policy
Team Webster Clayeh also took issue with what it termed a “sudden and politically motivated” decision by the Electoral Committee to introduce a compulsory dues payment policy for eligible voters.
The group noted that the decision appears to fall outside the Committee’s authority and raised concerns about members being asked to pay these dues to an outgoing leadership currently facing corruption allegations.
“Such a decision, especially at the eleventh hour, risks disenfranchising members and eroding public trust in the election’s integrity,” the statement added.
Eligibility Controversy Over Presidential Candidate
The statement further alleged that the Electoral Committee has cleared a presidential candidate who does not meet the constitutional requirements of the RAL.
According to Team Webster Clayeh, the Association’s guidelines stipulate that any presidential aspirant must be at least a senior student at a recognized university in Liberia. However, investigations reportedly revealed that one of the aspirants only enrolled at the University of Liberia in 2023 and has yet to attain junior status.
“Allowing such a candidate to contest clearly violates the Association’s constitution and undermines fairness,” Team Webster Clayeh asserted, warning that the move could trigger disputes and post-election challenges.
Call for Action
Team Webster Clayeh is calling on the RAL Electoral Committee to take immediate corrective steps, including:
Officially announcing the election venue and campaign timetable;
Rescinding the controversial dues payment directive; and
Enforcing the eligibility criteria for all aspirants.
The team reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring a free, fair, and transparent process that upholds the principles of integrity, professionalism, and accountability within Liberia’s media community.
“By addressing these issues now, the Committee will help protect the credibility of the RAL and strengthen unity among its members,” the statement concluded.
