The much anticipated IEA presidential debate will come off tonight at the State House in Accra.

The event is the second and final one for parties with representation in parliament. President John Dramani Mahama of the National Democratic Congress (NDC); Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo of the New Patriotic Party (NPP); Dr Michael Abu Sakara of the Convention People's Party (CPP); and Mr Hassan Ayariga of the People's National Convention (PNC) are expected to participate in the event.

The presidential candidates will answer questions on areas such as good governance (peace and security, corruption, bureaucracy, the rule of law, as well as character and leadership), natural resource management (oil and gas, mining, forestry and environmental management) and women and gender issues.

The candidates will also answer questions on youth and child development, persons with disability, sports, as well as culture and arts.

The IEA debate has been fraught with controversies including the recent rift between the IEA and the PNC flagbearer. Research Fellow with the IEA Ransford Gyampo said the institute is ready for the event.

Mr Gyampo said all four parties with representation in parliament will be represented on the platform.

Communication Director of the CPP, Nii Armah Akomfrah, told Breakfast XYZ that the party’s flagbearer will stand out again as was the case in the first round. National Organiser of the NPP, Alhaji Moctar Bamba, said Nana Akufo-Addo will buttress the ideas of the party on the IEA platform and show why he deserves the presidency.

Sam George of the NDC indicated that the president John Mahama has always been prepared for the debate and will shine again.

Flagbearer of the PNC, Hassan Ayariga told Breakfast XYZ that despite his health condition, he is prepared to excel again at the presidential debates.