Presidential Election Staged by Doe Following 1984 Referendum in Liberia

The 1985 Presidential Election in Liberia, held on October 15, was a significant yet controversial event in the country's political history. Following a referendum in 1984, President Samuel Doe organized the election, which saw nine political parties vying for power. However, only three parties were permitted to participate, effectively limiting the democratic process. The election was marred by violence, as over fifty of Doe's political opponents were reportedly murdered in the lead-up to the vote, raising serious concerns about the safety and fairness of the electoral environment. Samuel Doe was declared the winner with 51% of the vote, but the legitimacy of the election was widely questioned. International observers condemned the election as fraudulent, citing evidence of widespread rigging and intimidation. In the aftermath, many opposition candidates who were elected chose to boycott their seats, further undermining the election's credibility. U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Africa, Chester Crocker, acknowledged the election's imperfections but characterized it as a step toward democracy, arguing that rigged elections were a common occurrence across Africa at that time. This election remains a pivotal moment in Liberia's tumultuous political landscape, highlighting the challenges of establishing a true democratic process in the face of authoritarian rule.