The President of the Republic of Liberia, Her Excellency Madam Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has by Proclamation declared Tuesday, August 23rd, 2011 as “Referendum Day” to be observed throughout the Republic as a National Holiday.

A Foreign Ministry release says all government offices, public and business houses are to be closed from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. in observance of the day.

The Proclamation states that the Day is being observed in Consonance with Chapter XII, Article 91 of the 1986 Constitution of Liberia, which provides for the holding of a Referendum to be conducted by the National Elections Commission.

It further states that as it has been the policy of the Liberian Government to adopt such measures as are deemed conducive in the interest of the country, and being cognizant of the importance of the Democratic Process which enables citizens to exercise their political franchise as a free people, Government is desirous of ensuring the unhindered movement of all electorates, which include workers, students, marketers, among others, and granting voters the opportunity to exercise their political franchise throughout the Country on Tuesday, August 23rd, 2011, by voting “Yes” or “No”.

The four Constitutional Amendment Provisions include:

1. Article 52 (c) – The Residency Clause
2. Article 72 (b) – Retirement Age of Judges
3. Article 83 (a) – Election Date
4. Absolute Majority Requirement for Elective Positions; except for the President and Vice President