The Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) has announced the dates for its Presidential and Vice-Presidential debates and Evening Encounters ahead of this year’s election, with the first presidential debate set for October 22.

According to the IEA, five evening encounters, two presidential and one vice-presidential debates will be held this year in Accra and Kumasi from September 18 to November 19.

The IEA says the Presidential debates and encounters are a pivotal part of Ghana’s democracy and influence the outcome of elections in Ghana.

It stated that since its inception in the year 2000, the events have significantly influenced democratic development in the country.

In a statement by the IEA, the Institute justified the importance of such debates in Ghana’s democratic processes stating that the events serve as a platform that fosters the exchange of ideas and policies which informs the decisions of voters.

“These debates have remarkably advanced the democratic discourse by providing a platform where candidates can directly convey their policies and visions to the electorate. This transparent exchange of ideas empowers voters to make well-informed decisions rooted in the candidates’ positions on critical matters,” portions of its statement read.

The statement also said the debates served as a tool that instilled accountability in the candidates and ensured that the leaders were answerable to the public.

“Moreover, Presidential debates and Evening Encounters instill a sense of accountability in candidates, compelling them to elucidate their positions and rationalize their policies, consequently promoting transparency and ensuring that leaders are answerable to the populace,” the statement said.

The IEA listed the dates and venues for the debates and encounters as follows: