By Bilesanmi Abayomi
The 2023 Lagos State Governorship debate organized by the platform said the debate promotes political tolerance and lessens physical and verbal abuse, among other things.
This was disclosed by Pastor Poju Oyemade of The Platform during a 3-minute open address on Sunday at the Marriott hotel in Ikeja, Lagos.
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Speaking, he said, organizations decided to hold debates among political candidates, saying, “Debates are important because they help develop critical thinking among the electorate, and the success of any democracy hinges on how it educates and informs the electorate.
“Washington thinks tank. The National Democratic Institute Their research findings had this to say: “Debates are helpful because they address issues not present because of religion or necessity. This elevation depends on the consciousness of the people required for the right winners to be chosen, especially in our nation at this point in time. The debate also has been found to promote more political tolerance, lessening physical and verbal abuse among people,” he said.
“It promotes constructive dialogue and service to the people. Senator Bob Dole, the presidential candidate of the Republican Party in the United States in 1996, said debates were the first call to action. President Bill Clinton, former President, said, “I am convinced the debates are going to make me a better person in a divided election, and parliamentary debates give a political party the right chance to show that despite their differences, they can treat each other with mutual respect while they disagree on issues.”
According to him, “debate is also a chance for a candidate to publicly commit to a peaceful election. Including agreeing to accept election results and to use non-violent channels to resolve election disputes.”
He noted that the debate was chosen to influence and educate electorates geared towards choosing the best leader to govern the state and addressed issues affecting the state, among others.