1847 Liberian constitutional referendum

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]

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

[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

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