1847 Liberian constitutional referendum

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1847 Liberian constitutional referendum
Flag of Liberia.svg
27 September 1847

Results
Choice
Votes %
Check-71-128-204-brightblue.svgYes21478.68%
Light brown x.svgNo5821.32%

A constitutional referendum was held in Liberia on 27 September 1847. The new constitution would create a President with executive powers and a bicameral Legislature. It would also restrict voting rights to those of African descent and landowners. [1] It was approved by 79% of voters (although only 272 people voted). In Monrovia, Millsburg, Bassa Cove and Bexley 100% of voters supported the constitution, whilst 100% voted against it in Sinoe. [2] In Edina opponents of the constitution prevented the polling station opening, and a fist-fight broke out between Amos Herrnig and Ephraim Titler, two of the Liberian Declaration of Independence signatories. [3] Opponents of the constitution in Bassa Cove and Bexley chose not to vote. [4]

Contents

Results

ChoiceVotes%
For21478.68
Against5821.32
Total272100.00

By town

TownForAgainst
Bassa Cove 90
Bexley 160
Caldwell 226
Marshall 412
Millsburg 210
Monrovia 1110
New Georgia 313
Sinoe 037
Source: Huberich

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References

  1. Elections in Liberia African Elections Database
  2. Liberia Detailed Election Results African Elections Database
  3. Nathaniel R Richardson (1959) Liberia's Past and Present, The Diplomatic Press and Publishing Company, p82
  4. Charles Henry Huberich (1947) The political and legislative history of Liberia, Central Book Co., p846