Voters, demand election debates

THE EDITOR: As our politicians prepare for another general election constitutionally due this year in a society desperate for better governance and prosperity, it is essential that voters send a clarion call to all political leaders seeking a mandate to govern us that we would withhold our vote until they agree to public debates.

Electoral manipulation, usually by the incumbent, in keeping the election date in their back pocket, or shamelessly espousing that the “election will come like a thief in the night,” is both duplicitous and regressive, unbecoming of the erudite and albeit overly tolerant society we are.

Since proposed policies executed by any elected leader gravely affects voters’ prosperity, to continually disdain the maturity of public debates only shows unbridled contempt for voters, subtly advocating they should blindly drink of the physician’s remedy in silence and contentment.

There are great overall advantages in public election debates which inevitably reveal the aspirants’ communication skills while providing decision-making information to voters about the candidates’ vision, management capabilities, priorities, and characteristics like patience, humility, accessibility and temperament.

Also revealed is their respect for the pivotal role both voters and challengers play in the democratic process, not merely by voting or opposing but by exercising empowerment through understanding and participation in the democratic process.

Research has also shown that those who watch or participate in debates display a greater ability to identify vital information about candidates and their platforms than those who don’t partake.

Election debates among competing candidates have become a campaign centrepiece worldwide and help them to be better leaders. Debates help candidates focus on issues they may not previously have focused on, forcing them to think ahead, drawing from the ground the innate needs of voters.

US president Bill Clinton remarked that he’s convinced the debates he endured helped him to be a much better president.

Debates address issues like the economy, crime, and citizens’ prosperity, while promoting political tolerance, constructive dialogue and sincerely focusing on service to the people whose vote contenders so zealously seek.

Most importantly, a candidate’s statements, policy positions and campaign promises become integral parts of public records during debates, which would hold them to transparency and accountability, further opening their presentations to greater scrutiny.

Educated citizens view debates as indicative of an open, transparent and democratic process that facilitates voters to make informed decisions. Upon taking office, winning candidates will be held to even greater accountability.

Any serious incumbent or aspiring political leader who in this enlightened day refuses to welcome or participate in public debates for any public office is, quite frankly, unworthy of leading the country.

TREVOR HOSTEN

via e-mail