THE People’s National Party (PNP) and the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) yesterday agreed to engage each other in three prime time national political debates to be aired on television and radio in the period leading up to the general elections.

The debates will be hosted by the Jamaica Debates Commission, in partnership with the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce and the Media Association of Jamaica. The nine questioners and three moderators for the debates will be announced as soon as soon as they are notified, the commission said.

Yesterday, PNP general secretary Donald Buchanan and JLP general secretary Karl Samuda signed off on all documents defining the roles and responsibilities as well as the process for staging the debates.

“Today’s signing is significant as it bears testimony to the resolve of both parties to engage with the public in meaningful dialogue,” said Philmore Ogle, chairman of the commission.

Ogle, who was addressing a press conference at the Courtleigh Hotel, announced that the commission had secured the expertise of United States-based Commission for Presidential Debates and the National Democratic Institute to assist in putting together the debates, to be aired on the nation’s free-to-air television stations and three radio stations.

He said the debates, projected to cost about $10 million, would be funded primarily by sponsorship from corporate Jamaica.

The political debates will be held within seven days after Nomination Day and will examine issues relating to the economy, social issues and will culminate with a debate between Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller and Opposition Leader Bruce Golding.

The commissioners are Philmore Ogle, chairman, Gary Allen of Radio Jamaica, Jennifer Grant, Anthony Chang, Brian Schmidt and Lindon Williams.

PNP General Secretary Buchanan yesterday expressed support to the process, adding that it was one of the method by which the leaders and spokespersons of both major parties would be able to connect with the people of Jamaica regarding issues in the campaign.

“I embrace this opportunity and I look forward to that moment when our prime minister would have seen it opportune to call the people and sound the trumpet,” he said.

He said the media is playing a critical and a pivotal role and thanked the Debates Commission for their work.

Samuda, in the meantime, said the parties was satisfied with the team selected as moderators and questioners in the debate. “We want to thank the commission for putting together a panel which is acceptable on both sides,” he said. We are satisfied that we have a team that will bring to the table a level of objectivity and impartiality,” he added.

Both general secretaries said, however, that this televised debate would not reduce the number of public rallies which will be held leading up to the election.