Liberia Civic historical record
Liberia held its regular presidential election in May 1859.
Presidential election
Incumbent President Stephen Allen Benson was the only identified presidential candidate and was returned to office unopposed. Historical election indexes classify Benson with Liberia’s Republican Party during this election.
No certified vote total, turnout figure, exact polling day, or complete legislative return has yet been verified for this archive.
Constitutional setting
Liberia’s 1847 Constitution scheduled presidential, vice-presidential, Senate, and House elections on the first Tuesday in May every two years. The 1859 contest formed part of that regular constitutional cycle.
Historical significance
The outcome continued Benson’s presidency and led into another two-year term. His administration remained in office through January 1864.
Evidence status
Classification: Chronology-only with confirmed outcome. The month, year, incumbent, party classification, unopposed status, and outcome are documented. Exact totals, turnout, and legislative results remain under archival review.
Sources
- Frederick Starr, Liberia: Description, History, Problems (constitutional election schedule)
- Carl Patrick Burrowes, “Democracy or Disarmament,” Liberian Studies Journal.
- African Elections Database, historical Liberia election index.