In addition to sponsoring the U.S. presidential debates, the U.S. Commission on Presidential Debates (CPD) has partnered with NDI to assist groups in dozens of countries seeking to establish debates of their own. In a publication distributed to attendees at the U.S. debates, the commission said that for many years it has teamed with NDI “to provide technical assistance to emerging democracies and others, using meetings in Washington, video conference calls abroad, or small teams of experts who travel on-site to help inaugurate debates.” The Commission cited joint efforts with NDI in Argentina, Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Jamaica, Lebanon, Mexico, Mongolia, Nigeria, Peru and Poland.

“NDI and our partners overseas have benefitted measurably from the experience and expertise of the Commission,” said NDI President Kenneth Wollack. “We have found that candidate debates in new and emerging democracies have become an increasingly effective means of reducing tensions, promoting fair electoral competition and enhancing civic education efforts, helping voters make more informed choices at the ballot box.”

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Published Nov. 24, 2008