Independent Peoples Party (IPP) to sue IEA over Presidential debate 2012

Friday, 17 February 2012 13:38

Written by ghanaweb

BY THE INDEPENDENT PEOPLE'S PARTY (IPP), THE INSTITUTE OF ECONOMIC AFFAIRS (IEA), PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE SERIES ON FEBRUARY 16, 2012

The Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA), on Tuesday February 7, 2012 launched its pre-election debate series for election 2012 with the organization of three presidential debates high on the agenda.

We of the Independent People's Party (IPP) consider it as our rights to vehemently protest the IEA on the criteria for selecting political parties for the debate on the following grounds;

1. That if the IEA is committed to strengthening the pillars of the country's democracy, i.e. free fair, peaceful and transparent elections, then they (IEA) must recognize and promote the interest and the existence of all registered political parties.

2. That if the Pre-Election Presidential debate is to promote dialogue between presidential candidates on their policies and to enable the electorates make an informed choice on candidates, then why had it being the preserve of political parties with representative in parliament, since 2000.

3. That the use of the media, particularly the state-owned, for the presidential candidate to interact with the electorates is unacceptable and disadvantageous to the Independent People's Party. The media by Law is required to give equal space and time to all political parties.

4. And that there is nothing that concerns the parliament here about presidential debate. It is purely a platform for the candidates aspiring for the highest office of the land to present alternative vision and policies to the electorates against those of their co-contestants, and why they must be voted for.

The Independent People's Party is hereby notifying IEA, THE ECONOMIC AND POLITICAL THINK, TANK, to revise their notes on the modalities for selecting parties/ presidential aspirants for the debate series.

We call on the IEA to include and invite the IPP and its Presidential Candidate in the Pre-election Debate, and indeed, any other political party and presidential candidate.

The IPP deemed it our constitutional right; not privilege or favor, and may be compelled to resort to the LAW courts for redress if our demands are not met.

Signed: Thomas Adzei
(IPP National Communications Director)
CC
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, IEA, ACCRA
CHAIRMAN, ELECTORAL COMMISSION
ALL MEDIA HOUSES

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