If the law is passed, in case of violation of the mandatory requirement for the candidate’s participation in debates due to them airtime goes to the opponent.
MOSCOW, 22 Jan. The state Duma will consider on Friday in the first reading the bill requiring political candidates to participate in televised debates, in case of refusal they will lose airtime in favor of the opponents.
The initiator of the document was made by Vice-speaker of the state Duma from “United Russia” Sergei Neverov.
“The draft Federal law… implies the participation of electoral associations and registered candidates for joint campaign events (debates) on the channels of state and municipal TV and radio broadcasting organizations”, — stated in the explanatory Memorandum.
Also, the bill provides the possibility of personal participation in debates of candidates, including on behalf of the electoral associations, candidates, registered in the composition of lists of candidates, in the course of the Russian elections of any level.
“The project provides that in case of violation of requirements for mandatory participation of an electoral Association, a candidate in the debate, due to them airtime goes to the opponent (opponents),” — said in the explanatory note.
The profile Committee on constitutional legislation and state construction recommended the bill for adoption.
