THE Opposition People’s National Party (PNP) and the governing Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) have agreed, in principle, to participate in up to three political debates to be organised and staged by the Jamaica Debates Commission (JDC) ahead of the nation’s next general elections.

There will be a debate on social issues, followed by another on economic issues, and the third between the leader of the Opposition and the prime minister. The debates will be broadcast live on television, radio and the Internet.

A memorandum of understanding for the debates was signed yesterday afternoon at the offices of the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce (JCC) by Dr Horace Chang and Julian Robinson, general secretaries of the JLP and the PNP, respectively.

Witness to the signing was JDC Chairman Noel daCosta. The JDC is a joint venture between the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce and Media Association Jamaica.

Constitutionally, Jamaica’s next general election is due between February 25, 2021 and June 10, 2021. However, the prime minister may call an election ahead of the due date.