Presidential debates beneficial to voters—MEC
The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) says presidential candidates’ debates are beneficial as they will assist the electorate to make informed choices ahead of the 2014 Tripartite Elections.
MEC commissioner Nancy Tembo made the observation at the official opening of presidential debates task force meeting at Sunbird Ku Chawe in Zomba.
Among other things, the presidential debate task force is expected to work with MEC to decide dates and venues of the debates to ensure that they are not conflicting with other items on the electoral calendar, agree on a number of debates to be conducted, and the duration of each debate; choose the outlet of the media to be used for airing the debates and agree on the format and the coordinating structure of the debate.
“Malawi is a growing democratic country and MEC thought of holding presidential debates to create a forum for the electorates to compare policies and views of the presidential candidates on a single platform to enable them [electorates] make informed decisions on whom to vote for. Therefore, we need to plan and execute the presidential reports in a manner that is attractive,” she said.
Tembo added that all stakeholders involved in these presidential debates to ensure even geographical distribution of the debates, saying that there should not be concentration in some areas while others are starved of the information.
Speaking on behalf of other stakeholders at the meeting, managing director for Zodiak Broadcasting Station (ZBS) Gospel Kazako, said Malawians ought to take these debates seriously.
“I urge Malawians to follow these debates,” he said.
