The five candidates running for mayor of Selma gathered Thursday to answer any questions about next Sunday’s election forum.

The forum is being hosted by One Selma and will be Sunday, July 31 at 3 p.m. at Selma High School’s auditorium.

The debate will be moderated by Darryl Hood, an anchor for WAKA News.

Auburn University’s Bridgett A. King, an assistant professor in the department of political science, is compiling questions for the debate. Members of the public could submit questions last month online and over Facebook.

Both Hood and King were present Thursday to answer any questions candidates had about the forum.

Greg Bjelke, George Evans, Jerria Martin, Darrio Melton and James Perkins are running for mayor.

First Baptist Church pastor Jerry Light and Juanda Maxwell have helped plan the event and directed the meeting.

“We don’t want to see one candidate win, we want to see the city of Selma win,” Light said about why One Selma decided to host the forum.

Light added that he hoped students would attend. Selma City Schools Superintendent Angela Mangum attended the meeting too.

“I want this to be an educational experience for students. I want them to see government at work,” Light said.

In addition to the previously submitted questions, more will be taken as people walk into the forum.

After the 3 p.m. mayor forum, the Links of Selma are planning another forum for council president and council members that would begin about 5:30 p.m.