1963 Liberian Presidential Election (A New Hope)

The 1963 Liberian Presidential Election was the 32nd quadriennial presidential election in the Republic of Liberia, held on 16 November 1963. The Republican Party ticket of William Turban and William Torbert defeated the incumbent president Edwin Barclay and Vice President James Henway of the Liberal Party. This was the first time since 1896 that a sitting president lost the run for re-election.

On the onset of the Second World War, President Henry Sanders sought to ideate reforms that would introduce massive modifications to the electoral and legislative systems, involving the expansion of both congressional houses, increase of presidential powers, formation of an American-type presidential college and the limit of the term to four years with the possibility to run again once. In 1946, Barclay officially enacted bipartisan agreements and meetings so that a resolution could be reached and a comprehensive law to be made; such reforms materialized in 1951 under the "Constitutional Amendment for the Election of the President and expansion of Congress" which passed in both houses. In 1959, elections were held the first time under the new system with the affirmation of the new Liberal Party with Edwin Barclay as the main candidate for the presidency. On the other side, conservative "republicans" contested the election, marking a bipolar political atmosphere.

During Barclay presidency, numerous interventions and reforms were enacted mainly to create and expand existing infrastructure, with the overhaul of bridges, railways, ports and roads and the first airport in Monrovia. Barclay approved these programs under the guidance of the International Monetary Fund and through trade with western countries, and used the state funds to optimize the educative sector and modernize the healthcare, to compete with the European system. In terms of foreign policy, Barclay firstly pursued a policy of neutralism and isolationism, but in 1961 Liberia officially joined the western hemisphere and became more aligned to the United States. During his administration, Liberian GDP grew from 6 billion to 38 at the end of his term. The US and Liberia both signed preliminary treaties that would encourage African-Americans in the United States to emigrate in Liberia in return of additional trade materials. The accord was finalized in June 1964.

External observers both in the U.S. and U.K. judged the election as "free, fair and peaceful" against many of the newly-established african countries which were by now under military regimes. Incumbent president Edwin Barclay campaigned for an enhanced foreign policy, the continuation of social programs to improve healthcare and education, while William Turban campaigned for a decisive foreign policy by adhering to the "contain of communism" and stated his administration would grant U.S. bases in the national territory. He also campaigned for reduction in taxes, implementation of neoliberal reforms, increased investments and the reduction of taxes for the middle and high class citizenry.

William Turban ultimately won the race by both popular and electoral votes, winning 11 districts out of 15 and obtaining 6 million of votes. Barclay stated he would adhere with the changes, but suggested he would run again in 1967. Turban was sworn in on 15 January 1964.