Former President Mahama (L) and Dr Bawumia The Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) has set October and November as the dates for the presidential debates for selected flagbearers. A Presidential Evening Encounters slated for September will precede the debates which will be held in Kumasi and Accra. At a press briefing on Wednesday, August 7, the IEA said the "Pre-Election Debate Series" would include one vice-presidential debate in Accra for selected candidates. It said the exact dates, times and venues for the events would be communicated after "conducting engagements with candidates and their political parties." Justice Sophia Akuffo (rtd), distinguished fellow of the IEA, said the debate would "provide a platform for Presidential candidates to outline their policies and vision of governance for the country." "It will help citizens make informed decisions at the election, promote an issue-based campaign devoid of personal attacks and rancour, and promote peace before, during and after the elections," she noted. "While answering questions pooled from the entire country, the presidential candidates will have the opportunity to point out the weakness in the policies and programmes of their opponents. "The vice-presidential debates are important because, as our Constitution mandates, the Vice-President assumes the role of the President when the latter cannot perform the functions of that office. Vice-presidential aspirants, therefore, have to demonstrate adequate Presidential qualities, skills and competence," the IEA added.