Law 19,827 of 2019 obliges presidential candidates who participate in a second round to debate publicly. This meeting must be broadcast live on the national radio and television network in central time and will not exceed two hours in duration. The organization and regulation of the debate, including the election of the moderators and the schedule, will be in charge of the Electoral Court in coordination with the campaign commands of both candidates.
The regulations establish that the refusal of any of the candidates to participate in the debate would imply the loss of state funds allocated to the second round campaign. Before 2019, the debate between Luis Lacalle Pou and Daniel Martínez was broadcast at 9 p.m., with five blocks that covered topics such as economic development and employment, social security, and country vision, among others. The moderation of that debate respected gender parity and included a sign language interpreter, in addition to prohibiting electoral advertising between the segments.
The Electoral Court has yet to define the final details of this important meeting for the presidential campaign between Orsi and Delgado, who will face each other in a televised exchange on the eve of the electoral definition.
One of the possible dates for the debate would be Sunday, November 17, although official confirmation is still pending.
The law
The law that establishes the obligation of a debate between the candidates for the presidency of the Republic before the runoff is Law No. 19827. This law declares that it is mandatory to hold a debate between the candidates who have not obtained the absolute majority of votes in the first electoral round, and that they must stand for a second election. Some key points of the law are:
- The debate must be broadcast live and in prime time on national radio and television networks.
- The duration of the debate cannot exceed two hours.
- The organization of the debate is the responsibility of the Electoral Court, in consultation with journalist organizations.
- Candidates who refuse to participate will not receive contributions from the State for the expenses of the second election.
