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Are presidential, VP debates helpful to voters?
The moderator should ask questions, keep time and discipline candidates to play by the rules including by only exchanging ideas within a particular subject matter that has previously been decided by the organizer.
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In this combination of photos, vice presidential candidates (from left) Muhaimin Iskandar, Gibran Rakabuming Raka and Mahfud MD speak on Dec. 23, 2023 during a televised debate at the Jakarta Convention Center in Jakarta. (AFP/Yasuyoshi Chiba)
We watched the long-awaited vice presidential debate last Friday, which was fairly entertaining. Yet, a pivotal question remains as to whether the debate, under the current format, is helpful to voters. Whether the debate can be reckoned on as a game changer for millions of undecided voters in Indonesia.
A debate in its truest definition would involve discussions or arguments between at least two debating parties who put forward opposing views about a particular subject. Viewers are expected to learn each debating party’s views, stances and characters, especially when she or he is put under pressure.
In the context of elections, Indonesian law considers debates as one of the instrumental aspects of a political campaign, as it is arguably a bedrock of democracy. Thus, everyone who is running for president and vice president is required to participate in presidential and vice presidential debates.
With all the good intentions, it is such a shame that the reality seems to be falling short of expectations. The debates that we have witnessed thus far perhaps better fit the definition of a quiz where each candidate is questioned by a moderator, rather than a debate.
We have at least two pressing issues concerning the debate under the current format, namely, the role of the moderator and the panelists and the time constraints.
A candidate should be able to explain his ideas concerning a particular subject, while the other candidate will endeavor to rebut them accordingly. Opposing views should therefore transpire from the debate. To achieve this goal, a moderator should play a central role. The moderator should ask questions, keep time, and discipline candidates to play by the rules including by only exchanging ideas within a particular subject matter that has previously been decided by the organizer.
As a neutral party, a moderator should be able to raise follow-up questions to probe the candidates and clarify points conveyed by them.
