What is the role of the chair in relation to debates during meetings?

The role of the chair in relation to debates during meetings is to be impartial and ensure fair debate. This is essential for maintaining order and facilitating a balanced discussion among members. The chair serves as a neutral facilitator, guiding the meeting proceedings without showing favoritism to any particular side of the debate. By doing so, the chair allows all participants to express their viewpoints, encouraging a democratic process where diverse opinions can be heard and considered.

An effective chair also establishes and enforces the rules that govern the discussion, ensuring that everyone has an equal opportunity to speak. This impartial leadership helps to create a respectful environment conducive to productive dialogue and decision-making. Without impartiality, discussions can become unbalanced, leading to dominance by more vocal members or the exclusion of minority viewpoints, which undermines the purpose of collective decision-making within a group.