“An election where candidates cannot face-off in a controlled environment with a moderator to answer pressing questions will never be fair, as facts are rarely checked and unfounded accusations remain unaddressed when candidates speak in silos.”

The words of Political Leader of the Progressives Party and candidate for San Fernando West, Nikoli Edwards, as he renewed a call he made last October, for those aspiring to hold office, to first face the public on a debate stage.

Edwards, who will face incumbent Faris Al Rawi (PNM) and Sean Sobers (UNC) in the race for the San Fernando West seat on August 10th, says he has “understanding” his opponents would be open to the debate.  “If so, members of the media should have both men state their position for the record. Further, a media house should take up the challenge of hosting the debate which will bring about a surge in viewership and set the tone for future debate,” he said.

Further lamenting what he sees as an “unleveled” playing field in Trinidad and Tobago’s political landscape, Edwards lamented the government’s failure to have Campaign reform passed in the Parliament. “The PNM government failed to make good on its manifesto promise to deliver campaign finance legislation which would have crucial to levelling the political landscape. Had the Prime Minister and his government been serious about this, the Representation of the People (Amendment) Bill, 2020 would have been brought to the parliament much earlier than it was and became law,” he said.