CVD: No Public Debate, Working On A Panel
“We regrettably have to announce that the public debate as we envisaged will not take place,” the CVD said today, with the group said they are “close to agreeing on a format that the three leaders can feel comfortable with” which, as it stands now, would have ”each leader facing a panel.”
The statement said, “The group under the banner of Community Voices for Democracy is engaged in a last-ditch-effort to provide the Bermuda electorate with a suitable option to a full-fledged debate of the Island’s Political Leaders.”
Spokesperson for the group Qian Dickinson, stated: “After lengthy discussions with the respective political parties, we regrettably have to announce that the public debate as we envisaged will not take place, however this evening we are close to agreeing on a format that the three leaders can feel comfortable with, and we believe will benefit the entire community.”
The statement added, “The working group has come up with a format that essentially would have the leaders face a variety of questions put forward by the general public, and these will include questions from the youth group, Bermuda Youth Connect, and at least one moderator.
“Community Voices for Democracy has from the outset aimed to provide the general public with a face-off involving the three leaders, as we believe this would enhance the democratic process.
“We have worked with the Island’s young people who have led the charge for the debate, as they seek to hold our leaders accountable, and to go behind the various campaign releases and slogans.
“Our group, which involves veteran media personnel, long time civic and political leaders with community activism, flanked by no fewer than four independent persons to ensure the process is fair, along with media collaboration, will deliver a live program with our leaders on Monday night.
“As it stands now the format will have each leader facing a panel with live coverage. We expect to have more details to release over the next two days.”
Note: The statement was amended at 8.55pm
For comprehensive coverage of the 2020 Bermuda General Election and past elections, you can find more information and statistics on the links below.
- All: Our coverage of the 2020 General Election here
- Candidates: List of the currently confirmed candidates here
- Constituencies: Data/past results of all 36 constituencies
- Timeline: Visual look at the 2020 election timeline here
- Official: The Government’s election website here
- Comprehensive: Our new BermudaElection.com website here
A laudable aim and a result that reflects poorly on Bermuda.
Thank you for your effort Mr. Dickinson and friends.