Liberia Civic historical record
Liberia held a contested general election in 1903, producing the first presidential victory of Arthur Barclay.
Presidential result
Arthur Barclay of the True Whig Party defeated former president William D. Coleman, who again ran on the People’s Party ticket.
Vice-presidential result
Joseph D. Summerville was reelected vice president, continuing in office under a second president after previously serving with Garretson W. Gibson.
Transition and inauguration
Barclay campaigned on a program described as “Internal Development.” He succeeded Gibson and was inaugurated as Liberia’s fifteenth president on 4 January 1904.
Historical significance
The election began Barclay’s eight-year presidency. It also continued the recurring contest between the True Whig establishment and Coleman’s People’s Party opposition during the opening years of the twentieth century.
Evidence status
Classification: Candidates, parties, winner, running mate, and inauguration documented; numerical returns unavailable. Vote totals, percentages, registration, turnout, invalid ballots, and legislative results remain under archival review.