The National Democratic Congress has described as “absurd” the decision by the Institute of Economic Affairs – IEA – to organize a debate between President John Mahama and Nana Akufo-Addo.
According to the party they are yet to meet to decide on whether they would avail their candidate, John Dramani Mahama to participate in the first debate to be organised for all presidential candidates with representation in parliament.
NDC in 2015 gave indications that it would boycott IEA events due to what they describe as biases against the party. In line with their threat the NDC boycotted the IEA’s meeting with the various political parties to solicit for views on the voters register.
The IEA on Tuesday May 10 announced plans to organize a presidential debate, a vice presidential debate and possibly a separate one between the two leading parties in the country – NDC’s John Dramani Mahama and NPP’s Nana Akufo Addo.
This has raised some discontent among the other political parties but the shock for many has been the reaction from the NDC which says the IEA has no locus to pitch the two candidates against each other.
Deputy General Secretary of the NDC, George Lawson in an interview on TV3’s Midday News said “it is the most absurd proposal I’ve heard in recent times. Are we now practicing animal farm as far as our democracy is concerned?
“Are we now discriminating, is it animal farm where all animals are equal but some are more equal than others? How can you pitch two presidential candidates against each other? This is so unfair and in any civilized democracy this would not happen.”
He also questioned the IEA’s proposal that some Ghanaians are interested in seeing the two candidates debating each other. He said the IEA should bring proof of their research the shows that people are interested in seeing the candidates debate.
The NDC’s Deputy General Secretary however discredited the IEA’s initial concept of organizing a debate for only presidential candidates with representation in parliament saying it is unfair.
“I personally want a leveled playing field for all presidential candidates so that we can hear from them and learn from them about what they can do for the country” he added.
By Martin Asiedu-Dartey|3news.com|Ghana
Twitter: @NewsyMartin