1846 Liberian independence referendum

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An independence referendum was held in Liberia on 27 October 1846. The result was 52% in favor,^[1] with independence being declared on 26 July 1847.

The American Colonization Society (ACS) had established the colony of Liberia in 1817, with an appointed governor.^[2] The British did not acknowledge Liberian customs as the colony was not independent,^[2] and during the mid-19th century there were continuous clashes between Liberian government and British merchants from Sierra Leone over payment of taxes, with the merchants arguing that the country had no right to impose taxes.

Following independence, a constitution that had been agreed on 26 July 1847 was approved in a referendum in September.