The JDC created a manual for a few reasons:

1. To ensure that we document the process of how to produce and present successful National Election Debates 
2. To provide a useful tool for any new Commissioner or Resource Persons that may represent the JDC in the  future
3. To provide a baseline on which we can expand and modify as things change over time
4. To create a resource for other debating organisations worldwide as a resource whether they are new or established.  

The debate manual has changed over the years to reflect changes in technology, media format,  security and health issues.