Leanid Mindlin: Such TV-debates will turn into a chaos

In addition to the registration certificates, the Central Election Commission has given the candidates an hour of radio- and TV-air time to debate, altogether. It turned out the politicians would not have an opportunity to meet and debate with the chosen opponent. They will be just gathered together in one studio and will answer the host's questions by turns. This is how real televised debates should look like, according to the CEC Chairperson Lidzia Yarmoshyna.

Lidzia Yarmoshyna: “Debates are discussions on the most acute questions. However, someone should ask these questions. These are classical debates. And when they sit vis-a-vis pouring juice into each other's faces - this is whatever else but not debates. This can be called a discussion. The television will install stands with microphones - the participants will face each other, standing up. This form of debates is more acceptable. This will be a position definition. If it is not like that, everything will turn into a kitchen discussion: you're a fool - you're fool yourself!”.

The leader of the "Tell the Truth!" campaign Uladzimir Nyaklyaeu strongly disagrees with that. Besides, he used to work on TV and host programs like that.

Uladzimir Nyaklyaeu: “When I worked on TV and needed to make some official program, and there were people to speak in this program which I did not want to hear myself and did not want the others to hear them either, if I wanted to nullify them so that no one remembered any of them - that's what I would do. To show them one by one as a storyboard - no one will ever point out a candidate, in spite of their wish. They continue the tactics they chose at the election: to take 10 candidates and make a mess so that the strong stumble over the weak. It's not only violation of the debates format, it's limitation of our rights”.

The former host of the "Studio: Politics" program, director Leanid Mindlin agrees with that.

Leanid Mindlin: “Such TV-debates will turn into a chaos. It is obvious. As it is rather difficult to convey your position with so many people around. Secondly, it can turn not even into an argument, not into debates or explanation of one's position - it can turn into a helter-skelter action. With no dramaturgy or directory. Divide 60 minutes on the quantity of people: what will you have? People who went onto the political stage to play the main parts are forced to be an ordinary crowd in this TV-show called debates”.

However, he gave an advice on how to be noticed in a crowd.

Leanid Mindlin: “Those who wanted to be on air still have an opportunity to say what they whished to say. There is a rule on TV - the one who has the mike is right. You just need to make sure you're the one to have the mike”.

Presidential candidate Jaraslau Ramanchuk clearly understands that BT's suggestion cannot be called real debates. Thus, he suggests his colleagues a plan of joint actions in order not to get lost in this crowd.

Jaraslau Ramanchuk: “I am not going to argue with other candidates, I will just share my vision. I will make a suggestion to all the candidates to use this time so that everyone would say what's most important to him. However, we should be coordinated so that it looks as one program”.

However, there is a person everyone wants to debate on air with - Aliaksandr Lukashenka. According to Uladzimir Nyaklyaeu, the President should participate in the debates in any case. 

Uladzimir Nyaklyaeu: “New presidential candidates should discuss the mistakes made and try to outline the most optimal way to the future, with a current President and potential future Presidents. This naturally prescribes participation of a current President”.

However, the head of Aliaksandr Lukashenka's HQ Aliaksandr Radzkou has said to Euroradio that the current President is unlikely to participate in the debates. He said he was seen on air many times and wanted to provide the others with an opportunity to speak to the people.