Today on ‪#BillTracker: Nigerian Political Debates Commission Bill‪#PolDebateBill SB. 101 sponsored by Senator Abdulfatai Buhari (Oyo North)



*Track Record*

First Reading -Thursday 15th October, 2016

Second Reading - Wednesday 12th October, 2016

 
*Current Status*:

‪#PolDebateBill SB. 101 has been forwarded to the Committee on INEC and Establishment for further Legislative action.


“The ‪#PolDebateBill is to establish a Commission to be responsible for the organization of Debates for Candidates of Political Parties.”

“The ‪#PolDebateBill Commission to be created will ensure that Presidential and Gubernatorial Candidates as well as their running mates debate”

“The ‪#PolDebateBill when passed will strengthen Nigeria's democracy and bring it in conformity with worldwide practice in other democracies”

“The USA had its first Presidential debates as far back as 1960 and it was broadcast live with 66Million Viewers”

“Debates are part of the de facto election process even in the USA as candidates' performance determines votes”

“Regular Debates enables electorates know about the personality of the candidates and their characteristics to national issues.”

“The Debate will be used to sample the candidates' knowledge on issues such as economy, education, health et al”

‪”#PolDebateBill will allow insight into candidates' response to pressure and will also ensure agenda setting for the winner of the election”

‪#PolDebateBill will offer electorate the chance of voting along ideological lines and not on ethnic or religious allegiances”


“Kenya for example has a mandatory debate for presidential hopefuls; Nigeria should copy this through the ‪#PolDebateBill SB 101”


“The ‪#PolDebateBill will also strengthen the Nigerian election debate and stop the gale of candidates boycotting debates”


“Ultimately, ‪#PolDebateBill will offer a chance to evaluate election candidates and lead to development of strong democratic institutions”


“The ‪#PolDebateBill will also neutralize the patronage system that makes ascension to power turbulent”