The Georgian Public Broadcaster’s First Channel will host a debate featuring representatives of qualified electoral subjects, moderated by Giorgi Gvimradze tonight, at 10:00 p.m.

GPB’s First Channel commits to conducting the debate following international standards, ensuring an impartial environment where candidates can present their positions to voters on equal terms.

The electoral numbers of participants determined their order. The speakers were chosen by their respective parties: Girchi – Alexander Rakviashvili, Alliance of Patriots of Georgia – Gocha Tevdoradze, European Democrats – Nikoloz Vashakidze, and Georgian Dream – Democratic Georgia – Givi Mikanadze. In addition to the moderator’s questions, participants are allowed to pose questions to each other.

The debate, which is set to last at least 90 minutes, will take place in the new studio of the First Channel’s building located at 31 Politkovskaya Street. Party representatives will have equal opportunities to present their visions and programs to the electorate. The debate will include sign language interpretation, and GPB’s First Channel will also provide translation into Azerbaijani and Armenian. Additionally, it will be broadcast on Georgian Radio.

Six qualified parties were initially invited to participate in the debate: Coalition for Change – Gvaramia, Melia, Girchi, Droa, Unity – National Movement, European Democrats, Alliance of Patriots of Georgia, Girchi, and Georgian Dream – Democratic Georgia. However, the Coalition for Change – Gvaramia, Melia, Girchi, Droa and Unity – National Movement declined to participate.

Legal Regulations for Pre-election Debates

The Public Broadcaster must ensure non-discriminatory and equal participation of all qualified electoral subjects in pre-election debates. (Law of Georgia on Broadcasting, Article 55(2))

The obligation to equally distribute airtime and create equal conditions for participation in pre-election debates, as established by this law, applies to the Public Broadcaster and only concerning qualified electoral subjects. (Organic Law of Georgia “Election Code of Georgia”, Article 185(2-4))