Jamaica Debates Commission proposes political debates ahead of general election

The Jamaica Debates Commission (JDC) says it is moving full steam ahead with plans to stage three nationally televised, broadcast, and streamed debates in the lead-up to the 2025 General Election.

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JDC Chairman Brian Schmidt confirmed that both the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) and the People’s National Party (PNP) have already agreed to participate. With the election date now officially set, the Commission submitted proposed debate dates to both parties.

According to the JDC, the PNP has already responded to the proposal, while the Commission is awaiting a reply from the JLP. Once both sides sign off on the schedule, the confirmed dates will be shared with the public.

The announcement follows a packed JLP rally in Half-Way Tree, St. Andrew, on Sunday, where Prime Minister and JLP leader Dr. Andrew Holness revealed that Jamaicans will head to the polls on September 3, 2025. Nomination Day has been set for August 18, 2025.

Holness also disclosed that by-elections in four local government divisions within the Kingston and St. Andrew Municipal Corporation — Chancery Hall, Olympic Gardens, Seivwright Gardens, and Denham Town — will take place on the same day as the general election.

The debates are expected to feature the traditional format, allowing Jamaicans at home and abroad to follow the discussions live across multiple platforms.

A longstanding debate tradition

The JDC has organized election debates since 2002, when then Prime Minister P.J. Patterson and Opposition Leader Edward Seaga faced off in the country’s first nationally televised leaders’ debate. In 2007, the series featured separate nights for social issues, economic issues, and leadership, culminating in a high-profile face-off between Bruce Golding and Portia Simpson Miller.

The 2011 general election debates introduced a youth perspective in the socio-economic round, while the 2020 series included three debates, with the leaders’ debate between Holness and then PNP President Dr. Peter Phillips drawing significant public attention.

The Commission has also hosted local government debates, including in 2012, 2016, and most recently in February 2024.