The political party ADN has submitted an injunction citing a perceived violation of the principle of equal opportunity and treatment among candidates, an affront to political pluralism and freedom of expression, and alleging “opaque and discriminatory criteria” employed by television networks.
The controversy stems from televised debates organized by RTP, SIC, and TVI as part of the campaign for the upcoming May 18 snap legislative elections.
The ADN argues in a statement that the television networks have not publicized the criteria justifying their exclusion, thus failing to uphold transparency, neutrality, and impartiality—principles essential to public service and especially pertinent during an election period, which the party deems “unacceptable.”
In their statement outlining the basis for the injunction, the ADN further accuses parties such as Livre, PCP, and PAN—who have criticized the PSD for refusing meetings with them—of contributing to this “unequal environment.”
In its demand for inclusion in the debates, the ADN notes that it fields valid candidates in all electoral districts nationwide and meets the same criteria as other included parties, citing Livre, PAN, and Iniciativa Liberal as examples.
In the previous legislative elections in March last year, the ADN increased its vote share tenfold from 2022, securing 1.58% with 102,132 votes, making it the most voted former parliamentary party.
On Tuesday, Livre lodged a complaint with the National Elections Commission (CNE) and the Media Regulatory Authority (ERC) against PSD, RTP, SIC, and TVI regarding the debate format, claiming unfair disadvantage.
The complaint, seen by Lusa and signed by Rui Tavares, states that Livre finds itself at a “disadvantage” compared to other candidates after the PSD/CDS-PP coalition chose Nuno Melo instead of Luís Montenegro to debate against Livre, BE, and PAN in televised debates.
