Liberia Broadcasting System (LBS) Legislative Reporter, Emmanuel T. J. Kollie, has been elected President of the Legislative Press Pool (LEGISPOOL), the umbrella body of journalists assigned at the Liberian Legislature. In a tightly contested poll held on Friday, August 29, 2025, inside the Banquet Hall of the Capitol Building, Kollie secured 33 out of 58 valid votes, defeating his main contender, Blamo Toe of The Liberian Investigator. His victory marks him as the second reporter from LBS in recent years to ascend to the presidency of the association, following the tenure of Terry Wholquoi Yeahgar.
Kollie will serve a two-year term, leading a team of journalists dedicated to covering legislative proceedings and deepening the role of parliamentary reporting in Liberia’s democracy. Other winners in the election included D. Laymah Kollie of Women’s TV as Vice President with 25 votes, Gibson Gee of Punch FM as Secretary General with 37 votes, and Madam Fiona Benson-Kollie as Assistant Secretary General, who won unopposed. Additionally, Meshack Muin was elected as Financial Secretary, also unopposed. In a press statement issued Saturday, August 30, 2025, the outgoing leadership of LEGISPOOL congratulated the newly elected officials and promised a smooth transition. “The members of LEGISPOOL, through a peaceful and democratic process, have elected a new corps of officers to steer the affairs of the institution,” the statement read.
“We commend our members for their peaceful participation and constructive engagement throughout the process.” The outgoing leadership also expressed gratitude to individuals and institutions that contributed to the successful conduct of the congress, including Anthony Q. Jiffan, Jr., Chairman of the Independent Elections Committee, Prince Mulbah, Chairman of the Congress Committee, and Madam Mildred Siryon, Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives, as well as the security and support staff of the Capitol Building. The new leadership, under President-elect Emmanuel Kollie, is expected to strengthen collaboration among legislative reporters and uphold the ethical standards of parliamentary journalism.
The outgoing leadership urged members to rally behind the new officers to ensure the collective growth and influence of the institution. “As LEGISPOOL moves forward under its new leadership, we encourage all members to remain united and committed to advancing the institution’s collective interest,” the statement concluded. The official inauguration of the newly elected leadership is expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
