All news

Ukrainian pres candidates must pay for TV debates

Due to the difficult financial situation, the company had no possibility to provide free air time

KIEV, April 18. /ITAR-TASS/. Ukraine's Central Election Commission has announced that air time on television will be provided for presidential candidates for publicity campaigning.

Local media said on Friday the head of the Ukrainian national television company, Zurab Alasania, who will be the host, had invited candidates to participate in the "National Debates". Each of the 23 candidates will have 30 minutes of air time (15 minutes for two times).

But due to the difficult financial situation, the company had no possibility to provide free air time, and it would cost a participant 180,000 hryvnia ($16,143).

Every broadcast of debates, in which four contenders for the presidency will participate, will last 90 minutes. The moderator will ask candidates questions on four subjects, and they will answer within an equal limited period. Candidates will also ask each other questions.

The early presidential elections are planned in Ukraine for May 25.