NCCE to hold presidential debate before 2016 polls

The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has hinted it will still hold a debate for the presidential candidates contesting the December polls in spite of the limited days to the elections.

The Commission expressed its intention to hold the debate following the refusal of the NDC to partake in the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) organized debates.

Even though the NPP flagbearer Nana Akufo-Addo committed to the IEA debate, he has refused to appear at their Evening Encounters that preceded the debate.

Meanwhile, President John Mahama who had earlier refused to show interest in the IEA debate has recently been pushing for a one-on-one encounter with the opposition flagbearer. The NPP has, however, said they will not engage the President in a debate.

Speaking at a training programme organized by the EIB Network in collaboration with Penplusbyte and the US Embassy, the Director of Communication of the NCCE Mrs Joyce Afutu said the Commission is prepared and will hold the debate before the elections.

“We will still hold the debate before the elections. We have put in place the necessary mechanism to ensure that the debate is held," she said.

"We are only waiting for the court to make a judgment on the various suits against the EC so we will have a fair idea of how many candidates will be involved in the elections then the debate can take place.

“For us at NCCE, it is providing the platform for the candidates to address the electorate on their programmes and policies which we deem critical,” she said.