User:Merek/Debate format

Proposed DP Debate Format

The debate needs to provide an opportunity for DP candidates to express their opinions on issues relevant to Egypt's population. So responding to questions from citizens is important. However, due to the nature of the Egypt-wide chat channels, it can be difficult to express cohesive responses due to interrupting comments. Also, a one or two minute time limit for answers doesn't always allow enough time for a thorough response.

So I suggest dividing the debate into two parts.

• Normal question and answer, like we have now. But limited to perhaps 4-5 questions at most (possibly fewer if there are 4 or more candidates).
• Pre-answered questions.

The way the pre-answered questions would work is this:

• Two or three days prior to the debate, an announcement is made that questions may be submitted for the debate. The questions must be posted to a web page designated, e.g. Second DP Debate Questions.
• Each candidate is instructed to identify 2 questions from those submitted as "Accepted" (if there are 4 or more candidates, maybe only 1 question each).
• Each candidate must then prepare an answer in advance to *all* the accepted questions.
• Answers to the accepted questions will be submitted to the moderator at the start of the debate.

The actual debate might be structured thus:

• Opening remarks from each candidate.
• One question from the audience.
• While the candidates are preparing an answer to the first question, the first of the pre-answered questions and answers can be posted. That will allow the candidates time to work on their answers to the question from the audience.
• Repeat that, alternating between live audience questions and pre-answered questions.
• Closing remarks.