Liberian Constitutional Referendum, 2011

A Liberian Constitutional Referendum was held on August 23 in the county of Liberia.

These issues were ultimately defeated. Preliminary results had shown these issues being approved though ballot errors and invalid votes had led to complications with issuing election results promptly.

The proposed referendum sought to amend the national constitution. Proposed questions and ballot language had been a work in progress and official campaigning began May 1. The election commission was hoping to be able to engage media outlets and other sources to ensure residents of the country are aware of the referendum which will be held on the same day as the Presidential and Legislative elections.

Those opposed to the referendum noted that the proposed changes seek just to allow the current president to retain power and go against the heart of the Liberian constitution. One change would shorten the length of time a presidential candidate would need to be a resident in the country before they could run for office, the current time is 10 years but the referendum would change it to five. Another change would be that instead of an absolute majority needed to elect the president, it would be changed to just a simple majority. One amendment would increase the retirement age to 75 years old and another would move national elections from October to November. The head of the Election Commission, Senator Jewel Howard Taylor, noted that she would not be voting in favor of the amendments as they are confusing for residents. Others at the Election Commission though commented that they did not feel that the ballot questions were confusing and even issued sample ballots for residents to view ahead of time.

Additional reading

• All Africa, "Looking Inside from Outside - the August 23 National Referendum," August 17, 2011
• All Africa, "Liberia: National Referendum Campaign Declared Open," May 2, 2011