Liberia Civic historical record
Liberia held a general election in May 1879 during Anthony W. Gardiner’s first presidential term.
Presidential election
Incumbent President Anthony W. Gardiner of the True Whig Party was the only identified presidential candidate and was returned to office unopposed.
No certified vote total, turnout figure, vice-presidential result, or complete legislative return has yet been verified for this archive.
Political context
The election followed Gardiner’s decisive 1877 victory over President James Spriggs Payne. It consolidated the True Whig Party’s control of the presidency and legislature during the opening years of its long period of national dominance.
Historical significance
The outcome continued Gardiner’s administration for another two-year term. He would face Republican challenger Joseph James Cheeseman in the next election cycle.
Evidence status
Classification: Chronology-only with confirmed outcome. The month, year, incumbent, party, unopposed status, and outcome are documented. Exact totals, turnout, vice-presidential result, and legislative returns remain under archival review.
Sources
- African Elections Database, Liberia historical election index
- Carl Patrick Burrowes, “Democracy or Disarmament,” Liberian Studies Journal.
- U.S. Office of the Historian, Gardiner inauguration report