We are pleased that Jamaica Debates Commission (JDC) has been able to broker an agreement that will facilitate three political debates before the electorate takes to the polls on September 3, 2025, the nation’s 19th plebiscite.

The road to this deal has been fraught with attempts at obfuscation and seeming settling the score with individuals and organisations.

However, what must not be sidelined is the raison d’être of these debates.

The Jamaican people, primarily those qualified and duly registered to participate, must get a sober opportunity to hear from and evaluate the talking points of those who seek that they turn up at polling stations on election day and assign their franchise to them.

No doubt the participating candidates wish the best showing in these sparring exercises, but attempts to skew or disenfranchise any section of the Fourth Estate borders on hegemony. In the same way journalists must hold themselves to the tenets of the profession, political parties must work to respect press freedom and refrain from attempts to undermine their essential role in democratic governance.

Allowing for differing views and opinions on policy to contend is a critical tenet of democracy. This must never become a political football.

That concluded, we trust that participants will seize the opportunity to connect with voters, be they confirmed or undecided.

This is not a forum to engage in prattle and circumlocution; what will be required are clear responses to the questions asked and not evasion and squabbles as speakers seek brownie points.

The people of Jamaica must not walk away from these events with no clearer understanding of the platforms and plans that characterise the Government they wish to elect.

Previous debates, here and elsewhere, have left viewers in a near stupefied state, wondering what did they just witness, and with no knowledge acquired from the time spent. Be sure, at such a time as this, the people demand more.

All participants must come to the table versed in party principles and not rhetoric, remaining true to message and without guile.

Jamaica Debates Commission, too, has got to set the stage so that the debaters do not make a mockery of the proceedings even as freedom must be given to candidates to speak to the issues raised.

Scheduled for August 23, the first debate will be on social issues, the second on the economy on August 26, and the final one between the leaders of both major political parties on August 28. The first two will see a team format.

For debate one the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) has fielded Messrs Pearnel Charles Jr, Matthew Samuda and Mrs Kamina Johnson Smith, while the People’s National Party (PNP) will be represented by Messrs Damion Crawford, Raymond Pryce, and Mrs Sophia Frazer-Binns — a tribute to the younger aspirants.

Debate two will see Mrs Fayval Williams, Dr Christopher Tufton, and Dr Dana Morris Dixon for the JLP, and Messrs Julian Robinson, Peter Bunting, and Ms Kisha Anderson for the PNP.

We note, too, that the 2025 format will do away with opening statements.

Of note, four registered political parties are offering candidates for election, only two will face off in debates. In the interest of inclusion, consideration should have been given to others at the lectern.