Liberia Civic historical record
Liberia held a contested general election in 1901 after Garretson W. Gibson had succeeded to the presidency following William D. Coleman’s resignation.
Presidential result
President Garretson W. Gibson of the True Whig Party won election in his own right. He defeated former president William D. Coleman, who contested the presidency on the People’s Party ticket.
Vice-presidential result
Joseph D. Summerville was elected vice president alongside Gibson. His election filled the vacancy that had existed since the death of Vice President Joseph J. Ross in October 1899.
Historical significance
The election confirmed Gibson’s authority after his succession from the office of secretary of state in December 1900. Gibson and Summerville began their elected term in January 1902. Gibson later chose not to seek another term, and Arthur Barclay succeeded him after the 1903 election.
Evidence status
Classification: Candidates, parties, winner, and running mate documented; numerical returns unavailable. Surviving accessible sources document the principal candidates and outcome, but vote totals, percentages, registration, turnout, invalid ballots, and legislative results remain under archival review.