On May 17-18 on the live evening air of Yerevan "Shant" TV company a series of debates on the elections to the National Assembly of Armenia was held. The debates were organized by the US National Democratic Institute (NDI), Internews Armenia public organization and "Shant" TV itself. Financial assistance was provided by USAID. In the first three debates candidates registered by majority system who are rivals at a specific constituency took part. The fourth discussion gathered the representatives of the parties and blocs that take the higher lines in the lists for proportional representation.
On May 21 a similar meeting between majority candidates from one constituency was held on the air of Kapan "Sosi" TV company (Syunik region). Debates were organized by NDI and Internews Armenia, too.
The main subjects of the discussions were the standpoint of the candidates on political issues, economic reforms and especially the RA Constitution amendments introduced to the referendum to be held simultaneously with the parliamentary elections of May 25.
Another foreign organization – International Foundation for Election Systems (IFES) – makes its contribution into increasing public awareness. Since the start of the election race, with the support of USAID again, IFES jointly with "ARMENAKOB" TV company of Yerevan hold regular TV debates of candidates for parliament seats.
It should also be noted that the parliamentary pre-election campaign of 2003 is abundant in the so-called discussion TV programs, aired not only by the leading channels of general nature, but, unlike the presidential marathon, by entertainment stations, too.
