On 3 July 1984, Liberians voted on a new constitution intended to restore civilian constitutional government after the 1980 coup.
The proposed constitutional order
The text established a presidential republic, a bicameral Legislature, multiparty politics, enforceable fundamental rights, an autonomous Elections Commission and presidential terms of six years limited to two terms.
Officially reported results
- Yes: 540,113
- No: 7,771
- Invalid or blank: 19,007
- Total participating: 566,891
- Reported electorate: approximately 689,928
On the valid-vote basis, about 98.6 percent voted yes. Reported turnout was approximately 82.2 percent.
Threshold controversy
Historical accounts report that the registered-voter total was reduced after polling from roughly 977,826 to about 689,928. Because approval required two-thirds of registered voters, that change materially affected whether the constitution cleared the threshold. The official result nevertheless declared the constitution adopted.
Entry into force
Following the disputed 1985 presidential and legislative elections, the new Constitution entered into force on 6 January 1986. It remains the foundation of Liberia’s present constitutional order, as subsequently interpreted and amended.
Evidence status
Documented result with integrity qualification. National figures and the constitutional text are available, but the electorate revision and authoritarian transition require the official result to be presented with explicit context.