Parties and blocs running in the 20 June, 2021 extraordinary parliamentary elections have begun making statements, noting that the Armenian Public Television is planning to hold “Armenia Elects” TV debates, which will be held in several parts, taking into account the large number of political forces.

In response to a written inquiry by Iravaban.net, the Public TV reported that due to the size of the pavilion, up to 15 representatives of political forces can be invited to one stage.

“Taking into account the unprecedented large number of represented forces, a necessity to conduct TV debates in two groups, with 13 participants each arose.

Two principles have been chosen so that the groups are as diverse as possible and the political forces can have a dialogue, debate with different political forces.

Two debates will take place. The first debate is intended for the representatives of one candidate candidates from numbers 2 to 10 of the pre-election lists of each party. In this case, the principle of division into two groups is the draw conducted by the Central Electoral Commission. The debates will take place on 8 and 11 June. “

As for the debate between the leaders of the political forces, the TV channel reported that they will take place on 16 and 17 June.

“In this case, the division of the two groups is the date of registration of the parties in the state register.”

It was also mentioned that a technical briefing was held for the representatives of all the forces, during which both the principles of division and other technical issues during the debate were presented. Only some of the political forces participating in the extraordinary parliamentary elections were not present at the briefing.

There were parties/blocs that expressed their disagreement or sent questions; all their questions were answered by both the representative of the Public TV and the international specialist.

“Our partner, the National Democracy Institute (NDI), which supports this program, also organizes training, so that the candidates are prepared for the debates well. The rules of conduct have been presented, which must be signed by the representatives.

The order in which candidates will stand will be determined by drawing lots, live in real time,” the Public TV of Armenia informed.

In any case, the political forces think that equality is not ensured in this way; it is still not clear why they were divided into old and new parties.