Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)

• What is the Jamaican Debates Commission?

  The Jamaican Debates Commission is a joint venture between Media Association Jamaica Ltd. (MAJ) and the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce (JCC). At its inception in 2002, the Commission noted that its purposes were:

  •  To create an environment in which the political parties and their representatives can focus on issues during a General Election campaign, and
  • To lift the level of public discussion, educate and inform the public about the real issues that should guide electors in casting their votes.
• When was the JDC formed?

  The JDC was formed in 2002 ahead of the General Elections

• How is the Commission funded?

  On each occasion that debates are to be staged, a budget is prepared and the Commission seeks sponsorship to defray the costs of the debates. The number of debates is determined by the level of sponsorship funds raised.

• Which political parties can participate in the debates?

  The position adopted by the Jamaica Debates Commission is that the debates are open to all parties providing they meet certain criteria regarding their level of public support (as determined by recent polls); their organizational capacity (as determined by the existence of essential political infrastructure); their presentation of a policy platform (indicated by a manifesto or similar publication); their ability to form a government (determined by their fielding of candidates in a plurality of constituencies); and evidence of their own intra-party commitment to democratic principles (evidenced by democratic elections of party officers).

• How often are debates held?

  The objective is to stage debates in advance of national elections, providing the Commission is able to raise enough sponsorship funds

• Did the political parties influence the decisions of the JDC?

  No. The political parties are advised of the plans and are permitted to share any specific concerns that they may have. The concerns are addressed by the Commission through research and thorough investigation. The political parties do not have veto power over any decision of the Commission.

• How were the Commission for Presidential Debates and National Democratic Institute involved in the process?

  The representatives offered technical advice for the 2002 debates and again offered their service for 2007. The Commission welcomed their assistance given their wealth of international experience in these matters.

• What is the cost of this year’s debates?

  This year’s debates cost roughly J$21.0m. This figure is net of discounts and allowance received from various civic-minded organizations

• How were the moderators and questioners chosen?

  The moderators and questioners were chosen from a pool of candidates nominated by the editors of several media houses

• Why was the decision taken to make the event accessible to persons overseas?

  The Commission is of the view that several person in the diaspora have an interest in critical events like the national general election and would be desirous of seeing and hearing the debates.