Planning committee notes increased public interest in debates; says it will seek future opportunities to further democracy
NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The National Election Debate Series (NEDS) Planning Committee has decided to cancel its third debate and postpone its debate series indefinitely due to the unprecedented rise in COVID-19 infections and the late exit of two political parties.
In a statement, the committee said it received formal communication from both the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) and the Democratic National Alliance (DNA) indicating their unwillingness to further participate in the debate series due to a number of circumstances.
Without either of these parties debating, and taking into consideration increased restrictions due to COVID-19, the committee said it believes the value of the debate series is greatly diminished.
Committee Co-chair and University of the Bahamas (UB) Professor Dr Christopher Curry said: “There were a number of factors that contributed to the postponement of the debate. First with the rise of a virulent strain of COVID-19, it would be difficult to hold the debate with current emergency orders requiring only five persons can meet in an enclosed building.
“Secondly, there is the uncertainty of the election, without a fixed date and parties attempting to campaign and pool their resources into what looked like a very short campaign period.
“Thirdly, there is still the underlying challenges with the Free National Movement (FNM) still not participating in the debate and other parties committing their resources in other areas.”
To give greater context, the PLP ultimately determined that the debate was not in their best interest at this time for a number and variety of reasons.
As for the DNA, the party ultimately pulled out because it did not seem prudent for them to move forward without either of the two legacy parties debating.
Both parties said they remain committed to the spirit of the debates and continuing efforts towards establishing fixed policy debates in the future.
Verizon Media Group Head of Digital and Committee Co-chair Ava Turnquest said: “The postponement of the series is regrettable given the widespread public engagement the debates have received.
“The first debate that focused on youth political aspirants collectively drew some 25,000 viewers on our various platforms on May 11, and the second debate on ‘COVID-19 and Climate Change’ reached a total of 33,000 people on June 2, a 32 percent increase. We expected the third debate installment to have reached well over 50,000 viewers, if it was held.
“While it’s clear the electorate is desirous for more mature political content, this process has also illuminated that there is much more foundational work needed to sensitize candidates to the expectations that accompany the modern political environment.
“Verizon Media Group, home of Eyewitness News, remains committed to furthering democracy in a way that enhances community engagement and aligns with our role and responsibility as the fourth estate.
“We will continue seeking future opportunities to do just that, whether in the format of future political debates or town halls and moderated panels or programming.”
The committee thanked partners, sponsors and other stakeholders — including Open Current, Intel Cay, MobileAssist, BTC, SuperValue, Western Air, Easy Car Sales, Callenders & Co, Commonwealth Building Supply and the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute — for the work and support lent to the historic effort.
Curry added: “I know this news is disappointing, but I want to put a positive spin on it. In no small way, we began to change the political culture of The Bahamas.
“For the first time ever, we had real, live, nationally broadcasted debates involving several political parties.
“Rome was not built in one day; I invite you to see the big picture, which from my perspective demonstrates an incredibly important foundational step in the right direction.”
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