KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaica Debates Commission (JDC) today advised that both the Peoples National Party (PNP) and the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) are expected to participate in political debates ahead of the nation’s imminent local government elections.

The JDC said in a release Friday n that one or two debates will be organised and staged under the auspices of the Jamaica Debates Commission between nomination day and election day once those dates are announced.

“An agreement to participate in televised debates was today signed on behalf of the PNP by Deputy General Secretary Raymond Pryce and on behalf of the JLP by Deputy General Secretary Audley Gordon during a meeting with the Jamaica Debates Commission,” the release said.

Speaking after the signing, JDC Chairman, Noel daCosta, thanked both parties for the speed with which they responded to the JDC’s invitation to participate in debates, and reiterated the JDC’s view that the Jamaican electorate – and ultimately Jamaica’s democratic process – would benefit from the opportunity to hear directly from candidates aspiring to political office.

“Political debates enable viewers and listeners to make better-informed electoral decisions,” he said.