The Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) has officially launched the fifth edition of its Pre-Election Debate Series which comes off this year.
The IEA has since the year 2000 organized Presidential Debates prior to every election.
As part of the Institute's commitment to consolidating Ghana's democracy, it has launched its 2016 Pre-Election Debate Series.
The debate is aimed at providing a unique platform for Presidential candidates to outline their visions and promote dialogue between them on their policies.
The 2016 Pre-Election Debate will empower citizens to demand accountability from the candidates as well as promote peace before, during and after the elections.
This year's debate series will comprise Presidential debates, Vice Presidential debates and Evening Encounters with Presidential Aspirants.
It will be for candidates whose parties have representation in Parliament.
The launch of the 2016 Pre-Election Debate Series occurred at the IEA Conference Hall in Accra on Tuesday, May 10.
Addressing the press, Senior Research Fellow of the IEA Dr. Michael Ofori-Mensah expounded the activities that will characterize this year's debate series.
He noted that the IEA will hold two Presidential debates.
"The IEA is exploring the possibility of holding a debate for the two front runners in the Presidential election. Second, we are at the advanced stage in discussions about holding a separate debate for candidates from parties without Parliamentary representation."
There will also be an Evening Encounter Series to allow the candidates to interact with the electorates and share their vision of governance and strategies for development.
"The Town Hall format of the Encounters will also afford the electorate and representatives of key interest groups, an opportunity to ask Presidential candidates probing questions. This will enable them to make an informed choice on Election Day."
The first Presidential debate is to be held in the last week of September with the second debate in the third week of October 2016.
The Encounters will be between mid-June and mid-July.
Dr. Ofori-Mensah stated that the IEA is committed to work tirelessly to provide a neutral platform for the healthy contest of ideas. |
| |
|
|
|
No comments:
Post a Comment