Zabaneh-Garcia Debate Cancelled Over Venue Dispute

The two candidates were supposed to go head-to-head in a debate organised by the Citizens for Good Governance in Dangriga. However, the debate has been called off due to a disagreement over the venue. Dr. Louis Zabaneh of the People’s United Party and independent candidate Cyril Uruwei Garcia were set to debate.

Dr. Zabaneh had initially requested the debate a week prior. According to the statement, while the CFGG and Dr. Zabaneh had agreed on the Chiste Garcia Auditorium, a venue capable of accommodating over 2,000 people, the organisation later insisted on holding the debate at the Dangriga Town Hall, which only holds about 100 people.

Dr. Zabaneh argued that the smaller venue would restrict public access, particularly for students and residents from rural villages without internet access. The statement said that despite offering to sponsor the event, including transportation for attendees, CFGG rejected the offer and maintained their stance on the Town Hall. In response, Dr. Zabaneh withdrew his request for the debate.

In a press release issued today, Garcia questioned Zabaneh’s decision, accusing him of avoiding public scrutiny. Garcia dismissed this reasoning, pointing out that the debate was also set to be broadcast live on the internet, allowing Zabaneh’s supporters to watch remotely. He argued that declining to debate raises doubts about a candidate’s willingness to be accountable to voters.

“This election is not about comfort or convenience—it is about you, the people,” Garcia stated in his release. “When a candidate refuses to debate, it raises a serious question: does he already believe he has won? Does he think your vote doesn’t matter?”

“If a candidate will not stand before you now, how can you trust them to stand up for you after the election?” he asked.