THE Jamaica Debates Commission is now in the process of planning for the staging of prime-time, nationally broadcast political debates in the period leading up to the general election. The debates will be aired live on radio and television.

The commission said both of its partners – the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce and the Media Association of Jamaica – believe that by staging a series of properly organised, fair, dispassionate and civil debates that focus on the issues of major concern to Jamaicans across the political spectrum, “we would do a service to the many citizens who wish to see beyond political partisanship”.

Letters, the commission said, have been sent to the political parties inviting their participation and general interest has been shown. Consultative and planning sessions are in train, it said.

Parliamentary elections, officially due next year, are likely to be called before year-end.

The Jamaica Debates Commission was established in early 2002 as a non-profit organisation, with the primary aim of facilitating sober dialogue, necessary to assist the Jamaican electorate in making informed decisions.