Duceppe urges changes to election debate format
Last Updated: Monday, December 19, 2005 | 8:38 AM ET
CBC News
At a rally in Montreal over the weekend, Duceppe said last week's debates in Vancouver on Thursday and Friday were stifled by the strict format.
That format saw the four leaders who participated responding to videotaped questions from everyday Canadians, with the moderator authorized to ask followup questions.
Leaders were able to respond, one at a time, to each question. As one leader was speaking, the microphones for the other three were cut off.
Bloc Québécois Leader Gilles Duceppe arrives for a campaign rally in Montreal on Sunday, Dec. 18. (CP Photo/Ryan Remiorz)
Duceppe said the question and answer format killed the momentum. And he wants the format changed to allow the leaders to confront each other directly.
The debates in the last election, in June 2004, were criticized for cross-chatter and interruptions among the leaders, the result of each candidate's microphone being kept on at the same time.
The next two debates, one in English followed by one in French, will be held in Montreal on Jan. 9 and 10.
Duceppe also said on Sunday he would be ready to debate Martin at any time.
"If you're ready to meet me everywhere in Quebec, Mr. Martin, well, be my guest."
