Political debates will be held in connection with the pre-election period on the air of First Channel of the Georgian Public Broadcasting (GPB) today. - "1TV"

Political debates are a joint project of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES), and GPB.

Rules of the debates have been elaborated by experts of IFES.

GPB offers live air to qualified political parties participating in the 2012 parliamentary elections.

Based on Second, Third, Fourth and Eighth items of 51st Article of Election Code of Georgia, the following parties have the right to partake in the debates: United National Movement, “Georgian Dream” Coalition, Christian-Democratic Movement (CDM) Party and Labor Party.

The first round of the debates is scheduled for September 9. GPB invites prime-minister candidates of these four above-mentioned parties to take part. The debates will be held at 8 PM. Prime Minister Candidates will have to answer various questions important for the public and voters.

The time given to each candidate will be strictly controlled. The balloting will determine consequence of candidates, who will have to deliver welcoming speeches, answers and conclusions.

First persons on party lists of the four parties are asked to participate in the second round of debates set for September 18.