Pollster, Ali Imoro has emphasized the importance of debates to Ghana’s body politics and democracy.
Speaking in an interview on State of Our Nation on Dreamz FM, the pollster said debates promote issue-based politicking and enable political parties and candidates to fine-tune their policy ideas as well as citizens to make informed decisions.
“You’re not just mounting any platform to talk but someone can question your thought process. And then you get an opportunity to explain whatever your thoughts are or the reason behind your thinking. Debates are actually good for political discussions, they are good for our democracy. We need a debate,” he stated.
Ali Imoro said this while speaking on the ongoing discussions about whether or not there is the need to hold debates for candidates running for various offices in the 2024 elections.
Flagbearer of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia sparked the debate conversation when he threw a challenge at the National Democratic Congress’ (NDC’s) presidential candidate, John Dramani Mahama for a debate.
The Institute for Economic Affairs (IEA), subsequently, announced plans to organize presidential and vice-presidential debates and urged candidates to take advantage of its platforms to sell their messages.
But the Mahama’s Campaign Team, which had earlier shot down the call for such an engagement, issued a press statement , condemning the IEA for not consulting the NDC before making the announcement and reiterated the party’s position that it would not be involved in such activities.
The Majority Caucus in Parliament, on July 23, 2024, entreated the NDC’s flagbearer to accept the challenge and not shy away if he believes he has a better record than the NPP’s leader.
But their Minority counterparts, however, condemned them for making such a call and has rather extended a counter invitation to the NPP leader for a debate in Parliament.
Ali Imoro, sharing his view on the matter, disagreed with assertions that Mr. Mahama and his party are shying away from debates.
He believes the reason for their refusal to participate in such an engagement is because they do not trust that the IEA, known for organizing such debates in the country, will be fair in conducting a debate.
“The issue is not about the debate but the issue is about the institution organizing the debate. The NDC is not comfortable with the IEA organizing a debate.”
