Liberian constitutional referendum, 1847

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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 Declaration of Independence signatories. [3] Opponents of the constitution in Bassa Cove and Bexley chose not to vote. [4]

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The Liberian Constitution of 1847 was the first constitution of Liberia. Largely modeled on the Constitution of the United States, it remained in effect from its adoption on 26 July 1847 until its suspension by the People's Redemption Council on 12 April 1980.

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Contents

Results

ChoiceVotes%
For21478.68
Against5821.32
Total272100

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