Opposition presidential candidates boycott debate over transmission modalities

Opposition presidential candidates have announced they are giving today’s presidential debate a wide berth on grounds the modalities for the event are unfair and will not serve its expected purpose.

Presidential candidate Ali Nur Americo told Goobjoog News the opposition had agreed to boycott the debate owing to plans to air the debate on the national TV and radio against their wishes it be aired in the private media as well.

“We have decided to drop from the debate because the organising committee did not take into consideration our request that it be aired on private media besides the national broadcaster,” said Americo. The candidates have also questioned the nature of the debate noting it was a mere TV interview.

“The debate is more of a TV debate since each candidate will be interviewed for about 15 minutes and then aired later,” said Americo.” The manner in which members of the public who will participate in the event were selected is also a matter of concern for the candidates.

It is not however clear if the President who is expected to arrive today from Ethiopia will participate in the debate alone.