IEA, parties begin dialogue on debates

The Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) has begun a series of meetings to dialogue with the political parties on its intended presidential and vice-presidential debates.

As part of preparations towards the 2016 Presidential Debate Series, the IEA held separate meetings with representatives of political parties in Parliament. 

The NPP was represented by Mr Peter Mac Manu, the Campaign Chairman of the NPP flag bearer, and Mr John Boadu, acting General Secretary of the NPP, whilst the CPP was represented by Prof. Edmund Delle, Leader and National Chairman, and Hajia Hamdatu Haruna, First Vice-Chairperson of the CPP.

Guidelines
Speaking to the press after the meeting with the IEA, Mr John Boadu said the discussions centred on the date, time, guidelines and moderators, among other issues.

He also said debates had become a key feature in elections since people needed to be informed to make good choices and also make parties accountable for their promises.

The National Chairman and Leader of the Convention People's Party (CPP), Prof. Edmund Nminyem Delle, said it became clear during the meeting that the IEA neither intended to offend nor discriminate against the smaller parties.

Debates
He said the debates which had been taking place over the years had been beneficial to all political parties.  

However, some political parties and a section of the public had issues with the IEA's decision, arguing that the institution was trying to usurp a mandate. Some smaller parties with no representation in Parliament which were left out of the first debate also raised hell and said they were being discriminated against by the IEA.

In order to bring all the parities on board, the IEA decided to hold consultations with the parties to address their concerns to enable it to go ahead with the debates. 

Minor issues 
The IEA urges all Ghanaians not to allow the minor issues surrounding the announcement of its intentions to hold debates to overshadow the ideals of the debates. 

According to the IEA, the ideals include promoting issues-based elections, educating the public on the respective policies of the aspirants, easing political tension, ensuring citizen participation in the governance process and promoting political accountability by empowering the electorate to hold leaders accountable for promises made on debate platforms.

The Executive Director of the IEA, Mrs Jean Mensah, expressed the belief and conviction that 'those who seek to govern must avail themselves to answer questions from the electorate to ensure that they understand their concerns and have the capacity to address them. 

'In this regard, the institute urges all presidential aspirants to take full advantage of the debate platform to dialogue with the citizenry.'