The IEA debate has suffered several setbacks this election year as the National Democratic Congress pulled out on credibility grounds, while the New Patriotic Party on at least two occasions caused the postponement of its presidential encounter with the IEA.
Both President John Mahama of the NDC and Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo of the NPP failed to take part in the first of two presidential debates by the IEA on Tuesday which saw Dr Edward Mahama, Ivor Greenstreet and Dr Papa Kwesi Nduom face off with each other.
But notwithstanding the criticisms and the boycott by the two major parties, Dr Gyamopo who is a lecturer at the University of Ghana and a senior research fellow of the IEA believes the debate will give the perceived smaller parties exposure.
“People have started developing interest and affection for some of the presidential candidates as a result of this platform and I’m hoping that going forward, we can whip up enthusiasm and support for them. Through this platform, Ghanaians will know how serious they are and what they stand for,” he told 3FM.
According to him, the boost given to the smaller parties would help end the arrogance of political power from the two major political parties in the country to end.
“Ghana is a multi-party democracy not a two-party state. We are hoping to boost support for these smaller political parties so that the arrogance of political power from the two main parties will cease,” he said
Meanwhile, the second IEA presidential debate is scheduled to take place in Takoradi on November 29, 2016 and will focus on governance, social sector, foreign policy, criminal justice system and leadership.
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