Voters around the globe are increasingly demanding that candidate debates become an indispensable part of their country’s elections. Often the culminating moment of the election campaign, debates like no other forum put contending candidates side by side on the same stage to contrast their leadership styles, visions and policies. But making debates a reality in young and even established democracies is far from a given. A range of political, organizational and production hurdles can defeat even the most committed debate sponsor.

With assistance from NDI’s “Enhancing Women’s Participation in Elections” program, Jordanian women achieved unprecedented levels of participation and success in the September 20, 2016, parliamentary elections. More than 250 women nationwide ran for office, and 20 won seats to serve as Members of Parliament. Five of those women won competitive seats, rather than one of the 15 quota seats, demonstrating women’s increasing levels of political activism and influence throughout the country.

As Americans watch the three general election presidential debates and one vice presidential debate this fall, many may not realize that such debates have become a global phenomenon. The Commission on Presidential Debates (CPD) is a nonpartisan nonprofit organization that has sponsored and produced all U.S. general election debates since 1987. Over time, CPD has expanded its work to support debates around the world.

When Vicky Zwein ran in municipal elections in 2004, she was already a young mother, aged 29, and was expecting another baby. She was nominated by her political party, the National Liberal Party, and with the support of her family and especially her husband she started canvassing her neighborhood. “People would tell me that it was not the right moment to run since I have children and that I need to take care of them. But my answer was, it’s BECAUSE I want to take care of my children that I am running.”

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