Which of the following best describes the role of debates in democratic elections?

Debates play a crucial role in democratic elections primarily because they provide candidates with the opportunity to communicate their policies and engage with their opponents. Through debates, candidates can outline their positions on various issues, allowing voters to gain insights into the candidates’ perspectives, values, and plans if elected. This engagement not only showcases their ability to articulate their views but also allows them to respond to challengers' arguments directly, giving voters a clearer sense of who they might support.

The format of a debate encourages back-and-forth interaction, highlighting the candidates’ effectiveness in defending their policies and countering criticisms in real-time. This dynamic interaction is vital for voters, as it enhances the democratic process by enabling informed decision-making based on candidates' actual performances and positions rather than solely on pre-prepared statements or party manifestos.

In contrast, other options describe aspects of political processes but do not encapsulate the unique and interactive nature of debates as effectively. For instance, while debates do allow for the presentation of policies, they are not solely platforms for manifestos, and they do not eliminate the necessity of campaign advertisements, which serve different functions in the electoral process. Additionally, voters do not directly select their representatives through debates; rather, debates are part of the broader electoral context