The National Election Broadcasting Debate Commission hosted a meeting on March 14 in which the Chairpersons of 17 Si/Do Election Broadcasting Debate Commissions participated to discuss how to manage candidate debates in relation to the 6^th Nationwide Local Elections.

The Chairperson of NEBDC asked the Chairpersons of each Si/Do Election Broadcasting Debate Commission for thorough preparations and fair management in order for candidate debates to serve as a base to achieve policy-oriented election through voters’ interest and participation in the upcoming local elections.

The following issues were discussed at the meeting:

Ÿ   To strengthen candidates’ capacity for debate;

Ÿ   To increase voters’ participation in candidate debates;

Ÿ   To secure prime hours for viewing by voters;

Ÿ   To reinforce promotion via information and communication media such as SNS;

Ÿ   To increase voters’ convenience via the Internet, mobile phones and major portal sites, such as by providing ‘Re-view TV Program’ services, etc.

The Chairperson of each Si/Do Election Broadcasting Debate Commission agreed to schedule candidate debates before early voting days to assist voters in making their choice in early voting to be held for the first time nationwide, to receive from the public agendas for debates that suit local elections such as pending issues in the regions to increase voters’ participation and interest, to run the public evaluation group, to actively review how debates should be proceeded with to attract voters’ attention, and to actively consult with public broadcasting companies to secure prime hours for viewing by voters.