On August 23, 2011, for the first time in 25 years, Liberia initiated a measure to amend its 1986 Constitution, mainly the provisions having to do with presidential and legislative elections.
First, let me briefly note what it takes to amend the Liberian Constitution. A proposal for a constitutional amendment has to be put up for a referendum. The proposal may be made by members of the legislature or the general public. A proposal from the general public needs a petition signed by at least ten thousand citizens and the support of at least two-thirds of the members in the legislature. A proposal initiated in the legislature is subject to the same requirement less the need for a petition. Additional requirements including eligibility to participate in a referendum, campaigning and contributions are set forth in special regulations (PDF). A proposal voted for in a referendum may be adopted only if supported by at least two-thirds of the registered voters.
The August 2011 Liberian referendum, largely seen as a dry run for the upcoming general elections scheduled for October 11, 2011, was heavily focused on issues concerning presidential and legislative elections with three of the four questions in the referendum on the subject: