The phrase "absence of debate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where there is no discussion or argument about a particular topic or issue.
Example: "The decision was made in the absence of debate, leaving many stakeholders feeling unheard."
Alternatives: "lack of discussion" or "no debate present".
In the face of this absence of debate, and of any useful facts, you have two options.
Maggie Lasz, 48, said she was worried about the apparent absence of debate or consultation in both the United States and Britain.
One result of the absence of debate or scrutiny is that the people with the specialist knowledge - including the large accountancy firms and powerful voices from business - have a disproportionate share of influence on government and legislation.
"Billionaires and Bakes Sales," by Timothy Egan (column, June 2), is not alone in noting the absence of debate on education topics in the 2008 campaign, despite the fact that voters consistently rank education as a top concern.
"We have been worried by the absence of debate, the presentation of faits accomplis," said Javier Solana, a former NATO secretary-general and now the European Union's chief foreign affairs official.
The virtual absence of debate about the need for urgent democratic reform during the party conferences underlines the wider complacency of our political parties, who are hoping that we can return to business as usual, with an election looming ever closer.
At a news conference in Trenton today, called to complain about the absence of debates, Paul DiGaetano, the Republican minority leader in the Assembly, all but said that Mr. Lautenberg, 78, was losing his grip.
"In the absence of debates then we are left with the daily news about our contest being all about questions that only she and her lawyers can answer about her email.
"So does the absence of public debate".
The absence of that debate comes with a price.
Meanwhile, in the absence of this debate, the men and women of our armed forces languish.
