While the results of Thursday’s party leaders debate won’t crystallize until the dust settles, one thing can be said for certain: The debate was hindered by bad timing and a muddled sense of ­purpose.

Bad timing, because the contest was held just one day before the advance polls open. That is not nearly enough time for voters to digest what they heard and saw.

Muddled purpose, because the format of the debate conflicted with its primary objective, which was to help voters choose a new prime minister.

The structure of the debate was determined by an independent commission. It decided that participation would be granted to any leader whose party met two or more of the following three criteria:

First, the party must be represented in the House of Commons by an MP who was elected as a member of that party. So just one MP suffices?

Second, the party must have a level of........

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