Now that the leaders of the three major political parties have have finally agreed to participate in pre-election debates on television, one should recognize and respect their courage. Such debates already take place in many countries and they permit and help electors to decide how they will finally vote. These debates are therefore of the utmost importance.
While the iron is hot, should there not be agreement now that in future when an election is called, automatically a leaders' debate on television like the one now planned, will always be programmed to take place ?
Should not the first question to be put to the three leaders in the first debate seek their agreement to enshrine this intention in an Act of Parliament ? The first Act would probably not be perfect, but it could be modified subsequently to correct problems which arise in future debates.
A system must be put in place. It is a voter's right to be informed correctly. If there is a snap election there will never be enough time to again hammer out an agreement about what should or should not be covered in debates. Such debates should be considered as being obligatory for political leaders (not their henchmen !) and a right for electors.
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