Liberia Civic historical record
Liberia held a general election on 7 May 1861 within the republic’s biennial constitutional election cycle.
Presidential election
Incumbent President Stephen Allen Benson was the only identified presidential candidate and was returned to office unopposed. Historical election indexes classify him with the Republican Party.
No certified presidential vote total or turnout figure has yet been verified for this archive.
Legislative and referendum context
The election cycle also covered legislative offices. Historical legal references associate the 1861 vote with a proposal concerning increased representation for Maryland County, but a complete certified legislative return and full referendum tabulation remain under archival review.
Historical significance
The election gave Benson his fourth and final presidential term. He remained president until Daniel Bashiel Warner took office in January 1864.
Evidence status
Classification: Partial historical record. The election date, incumbent, unopposed outcome, and presidential succession are documented. Exact vote totals, turnout, legislative results, and the complete Maryland representation measure require further primary-source verification.
Sources
- Frederick Starr, Liberia: Description, History, Problems (constitutional election schedule)
- Charles Henry Huberich, The Political and Legislative History of Liberia.
- Carl Patrick Burrowes, “Democracy or Disarmament,” Liberian Studies Journal.
- African Elections Database, historical Liberia election index.