Pro Public implemented the Public Debates on Issues Surrounding the Constituent Assembly (PDICA) on radio, television, and in open-air events in support with The Asia Foundation (TAF) for a period of 11 months starting from November 1, 2006 to September 30, 2007. The main objective of the project was to conduct public debates on issues surroundings the Constituent Assembly on radio, television and in open-air events. The PDICA project activities include production of public debate broadcasting guidelines; public debate moderators’ training; production and on-airing of radio and television debates; and organizing open-air public debates in different locations around the country.
A three-day residential Public Debate Moderators' Training took place at the Vijay Development Research Centre in Gaidakot, Nawalparasi from June 22 to 24, 2007. This training aimed to empower 40 district-level leaders from various projects with the skills and knowledge necessary to organize open-air public debates in their respective areas, focusing on issues surrounding the Constituent Assembly.
Following this training, an orientation program was held on June 25 for radio program producers nominated by FM Radio Stations outside of Kathmandu Valley, aiming to empower them to produce four radio debate programs on Constituent Assembly issues. The media campaigns included producing radio messages in Nepali and 16 regional languages to support the voter registration campaign of the Election Commission of Nepal. Additionally, voter registration appeals were released in six national dailies from January 8 to 13, 2007. Furthermore, four television debate programs were aired through Nepal Television focusing on voter registration activities and Constituent Assembly issues. Similarly, a national debate program was transmitted via Radio Nepal, addressing technical aspects of the upcoming Constituent Assembly election. The program was later broadcasted through various FM radio stations. In total, 40 radio debates were produced and transmitted by selected FM radio stations, engaging 114 local and district personalities. Additionally, 197 open-air public debates were organized in project districts, involving 10,617 key stakeholders. These debates raised various issues concerning the Constituent Assembly election, including political, social, economic, and cultural aspects.