Presidential debate billed for early Nov; PPP yet to decide
Written by Denis Scott Chabrol
Friday, 07 October 2011 17:37
The Peoples Progressive Party Civic (PPPC) is yet to decide whether its presidential candidate, Donald Ramotar would join three other political organisations in a presidential debate, a spokesman said Friday.
Merundoi Incorporated, which is organizing the presidential debate, has confirmed the participation of the Alliance For Change (AFC), A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and The United Force (TUF).
The 90-min Debate is scheduled for early November at The Theatre Guild and plans are afoot to have it streamed live on television. radio and the internet, Merundoi said.
PPPC Campaign Manager, Robert Persaud confirmed receiving the request but said he has not had an opportunity to discuss the invitation yet with the presidential candidate or review it with other party strategists.
“Once the timing and the arrangements are convenient to our presidential candidate, we have always taken the position that we are open to debates,” Persaud told Demerara Waves Online News ( www.demwaves.com ). Merundoi’s invitation has been acknowledged.
He attributed the delay in considering the request to urgent matters associated with the campaign but “we will certainly get around to reviewing that request.”
Ramotar has so far appeared to have shied away from similar fora organised by the University of Guyana Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Guyana Workers Union (UGWU) and Face The Future, a coalition of civil society organisations.
Merundoi said it is collaborating with the Private Sector Commission, The Georgetown, Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Guyana Press Association, Guyana Media Proprietors Association and The Council of Organisations for Persons with Disabilities.
Technical Assistance is being given by The Centre for Communication Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Guyana and the Jamaica Debates Commission.
“Invitations have been sent to the Political Parties represented in Parliament and so far confirmation has been received from A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), Alliance for Change (AFC) & The United Force (TUF),” Merundoi said in a statement.
Merundoi explained that the goals of the project are to provide a forum where the candidates can present their platforms to the public, enable citizens to have a greater understanding of the positions of the candidates on matters of national interest, facilitate greater public discussion on national and regional issues, create a forum for the public to be directly involved in the process , provide a forum where the candidates have equal access to the media while debating issues of national interest, contribute to a peaceful election process and encourage increased voter participation on Election Day.
The only Presidential Debate in Guyana was held for the 1992 Elections between President Desmond Hoyte and Dr. Cheddi Jagan, then Opposition Leader.
Written by Denis Scott Chabrol
Friday, 07 October 2011 17:37
The Peoples Progressive Party Civic (PPPC) is yet to decide whether its presidential candidate, Donald Ramotar would join three other political organisations in a presidential debate, a spokesman said Friday.
Merundoi Incorporated, which is organizing the presidential debate, has confirmed the participation of the Alliance For Change (AFC), A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and The United Force (TUF).
The 90-min Debate is scheduled for early November at The Theatre Guild and plans are afoot to have it streamed live on television. radio and the internet, Merundoi said.
PPPC Campaign Manager, Robert Persaud confirmed receiving the request but said he has not had an opportunity to discuss the invitation yet with the presidential candidate or review it with other party strategists.
“Once the timing and the arrangements are convenient to our presidential candidate, we have always taken the position that we are open to debates,” Persaud told Demerara Waves Online News ( www.demwaves.com ). Merundoi’s invitation has been acknowledged.
He attributed the delay in considering the request to urgent matters associated with the campaign but “we will certainly get around to reviewing that request.”
Ramotar has so far appeared to have shied away from similar fora organised by the University of Guyana Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Guyana Workers Union (UGWU) and Face The Future, a coalition of civil society organisations.
Merundoi said it is collaborating with the Private Sector Commission, The Georgetown, Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Guyana Press Association, Guyana Media Proprietors Association and The Council of Organisations for Persons with Disabilities.
Technical Assistance is being given by The Centre for Communication Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Guyana and the Jamaica Debates Commission.
“Invitations have been sent to the Political Parties represented in Parliament and so far confirmation has been received from A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), Alliance for Change (AFC) & The United Force (TUF),” Merundoi said in a statement.
Merundoi explained that the goals of the project are to provide a forum where the candidates can present their platforms to the public, enable citizens to have a greater understanding of the positions of the candidates on matters of national interest, facilitate greater public discussion on national and regional issues, create a forum for the public to be directly involved in the process , provide a forum where the candidates have equal access to the media while debating issues of national interest, contribute to a peaceful election process and encourage increased voter participation on Election Day.
The only Presidential Debate in Guyana was held for the 1992 Elections between President Desmond Hoyte and Dr. Cheddi Jagan, then Opposition Leader.
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