The current geopolitical landscape might make it difficult for the Jamaica Debates Commission (JDC) to obtain sponsorships for the National Political Debates this election season.

Chairman of the JDC, Brian Schmidt, made the disclosure during an interview with IRIE FM News.

Mr. Schmidt explains that the JDC was successful in obtaining support from multilateral organisations for past political debates, but changes, including those driven by shifting power dynamics in the United States, may create challenges.

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) no longer exists in its former capacity as a separate U.S. government agency.

In March this year, the Donald Trump administration officially dissolved USAID, transferring its functions and operations to the U.S. State Department.

Despite the sponsorship challenges, Mr. Schmidt notes that there are entities which have signalled their interest to fund the political debates.

He also stresses the importance of accepting sponsorships from non-partisan entities to maintain the integrity of the JDC.

There will be three 90-minute debates. The first will be on social issues, the second will cover economic policy and finance, while the third will be a leadership debate.

The economic debate will be a team debate – a new move by the JDC.