Liberia Civic historical record
Liberia held a presidential election in May 1857 during Stephen Allen Benson’s first term.
Presidential election
Incumbent President Stephen Allen Benson of the True Liberian Party was returned to office. Available historical accounts identify Benson as the only presidential candidate.
No certified vote total, turnout figure, exact polling day, or complete legislative return has yet been verified for this archive.
Political context
Benson had taken office in January 1856 after defeating Edward James Roye in the contested 1855 election. His administration promoted agriculture, economic self-reliance, and consolidation of the republic during a period that included the incorporation of Maryland in Liberia.
Although constitutionally scheduled, the unopposed presidential election took place within the restrictive citizenship and property-based political system of the period.
Historical significance
The election gave Benson a second two-year presidential term. Historical accounts state that he entered that term in January 1858.
Evidence status
Classification: Chronology-only with confirmed outcome. The month, year, incumbent, party, unopposed status, and outcome are documented. Exact polling day, totals, turnout, and legislative results remain under archival review.
Sources
- J. H. T. McPherson, History of Liberia
- African Repository, volumes 33–34.
- Carl Patrick Burrowes, “Democracy or Disarmament,” Liberian Studies Journal.