Prior to the elections, supporters of John Seys, a missionary who was being sued by the colonial administration over failure to pay import duty, formed an Anti-Administration movement to field candidates against the ruling group.[5] This was the first instance of organised politics in the territory, as previously candidates had run as individuals.[5]
Results
The Anti-Administration group won three of the 11 seats in the Commonwealth Council, with Administration group candidates won six seats and post of Lieutenant-Governor.[1] However, there were accusations of electoral fraud against Seys' group, with claims by the American Colonization Society that workers at his saw mill and sugar plantation had all voted for candidates supporting him confirmed by others including Francis Burns.[5]
^ abcCarl Patrick Burrowes (2004) Power and Press Freedom in Liberia, 1830-1970: The Impact of Globalization and Civil Society on Media-government Relations, Africa World Press, p46
