The second IEA presidential debate which was supposed to take place Tuesday has been rescheduled.
It will now be held on Wednesday November 21, 2012. The decision was confirmed by Administrator of the IEA Jeane Mensah in an interview with Joy News.
She said the decision which was taken in consultation with political parties excluding the People's National Convention was to allow five days of mourning declared by the President in honour of the late Vice President Aliu Mahama who passed away on Friday to elapse.
She said the decision was occasioned by a letter from the president John Mahama drawing the attention of the Institute of the five days of mourning.
“Following that we met with the leadership of the NPP and the CPP and they expressed the fact they were fully committed to the process as they had indicated from day one.
“…And so we arrived at some agreement that it should be held within 24 hours,” she explained.
She said the Institute did not contact the PNC over the new development because of the decision by the flagbearer not to be part of the second edition of the debate.
Hassan Ayariga had early on raised the issue about boycotting the debate as a way of honouring the late Vice President. He also cited ill-health for his withdrawal.
Jeane Mensah said the PNC leader bastardised the IEA platform by saying elsewhere that even if he gets well he would not take part in the debate.
She said Ayariga must stand by his words, adding if he changes his mind, the committee will decide on what to do.
