Georgian Dream proposes new model of pre-election debates

The Georgian Dream coalition has proposed changes to the way pre-election debates will be held, as the country prepares to host the runoff elections of the Georgian local municipal elections.

The political party released a special statement today regarding pre-election debates.

"As Georgian and the international community await the second round of local elections, questions have been raised about whether the candidates will participate in pre-election debates,” read the statement.

"Due to time restrictions ahead of a runoff vote, which does not allow candidates to participate in multiple debates on different TV stations, as has been the tradition, the Georgian Dream coalition has decided to propose a new model of pre-election debates.”

The political party proposed a debate between candidates should be held in a public venue, moderated by a neutral third party representative. The debate should be broadcast simultaneously by all media channels.

The ruling party believed this format would be efficient and the most fair to all parties and broadcasters.

In the statement, Georgian Dream said it had already initiated discussions with media outlets about its proposal. It had also asked Georgia’s international partners to play an organising role in the proposed debate to ensure neutrality.

"We have communicated this proposal to the opposition and urge them to participate in an open and fair debate that will help voters decide who to support on Election Day,” the ruling party stated.

During the debates journalists will be allowed to ask questions directly to the candidates. Those invited to take part in the television debates include the Mayoral candidates of self-governing cities of Rustavi, Batumi, Ozurgeti, Gori, Telavi, and Mtskheta.