# 5. Debates

The debates module makes it easier for citizens to make visible the issues that seem important to them, and for them to meet each other to debate or collaborate on these issues. It is a space for listening, but also for citizen gathering. 

Users can vote for or against the debates, so that the most highly valued debates are those that are regularly displayed on the main debates page.

<figure><img src="https://653631138-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FGapjO0Fxl45HnFJuhONg%2Fuploads%2FiCqsvuhVevaANzHnzEQC%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=6ad25674-9afd-4fdd-b220-03b1ad75d4fe" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

All discussions have a comments section, where users can debate them with each other. Comments are also voted for or against.

<figure><img src="https://653631138-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FGapjO0Fxl45HnFJuhONg%2Fuploads%2FDsQTEGdGdeTrOEYdHagC%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=c5812d10-cd81-4598-98f6-5ac48dc8139a" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Institutional representatives have verified profiles in order to be able to open the debates they consider appropriate, as well as to respond to any comments. Their interventions are highlighted to give them more visibility.

<figure><img src="https://653631138-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FGapjO0Fxl45HnFJuhONg%2Fuploads%2FynrZoz5uSy9yLf6LjRKz%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=c8f9280e-3f05-49e0-8d8f-eaae3e79cdea" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>