The National Election Commission (CNE) expressed concerns on Tuesday regarding the “anti-competitive framework” of the debate broadcast schedule between presidential candidates, exclusively managed by RTP, SIC, and TVI. The CNE announced its intention to communicate these concerns to the Media Regulatory Entity (ERC) and the Competition Authority (AdC).
The CNE criticized the exclusivity of the broadcasts, stating it is “not compatible with the goals that should be ensured during electoral periods,” and that it constitutes a practice of dominating information by excluding other media outlets, thereby restricting free competition and hindering the goal of maximizing information through all available media to ensure public electoral service.
This position will be communicated to the ERC and the AdC, inviting them to assess the situation and, if deemed appropriate, respond within their respective mandates.
The television channels countered by highlighting their proposal to the presidential candidates for the “holding of 28 head-to-head debates, during prime time,” which they assert represents a significant investment by the generalist channels.
“In this context, we believe that holding other debates simultaneously is unreasonable, as it would divert viewers’ attention, undermining the effort of the three free-to-air channels (FTA) and, secondly, harm voter clarity, since it would affect significantly lower audiences,” they argued.
When are the debates scheduled? Where will they be broadcast?
The schedule released on Tuesday reveals that RTP will broadcast 12 debates, while SIC and TVI will each air eight, spanning from November 17 to December 22. All debates will be broadcast on free-to-air channels to ensure they reach a wider audience during prime time (9:00 PM).
In total, 28 debates will involve eight presidential candidates, including André Ventura, António Filipe, António José Seguro, Catarina Martins, Henrique Gouveia e Melo, João Cotrim de Figueiredo, Jorge Pinto, and Luís Marques Mendes.
The first debate is set for November 17 on TVI, featuring André Ventura and António José Seguro. The final debate is scheduled for December 22, with Gouveia e Melo and Marques Mendes facing off on TVI.
Due to several football matches, some days will not feature debates, contributing to the timeline extending close to Christmas.
On November 25, André Ventura will debate with Marques Mendes on SIC. On December 9, the same channel will air the debate between Gouveia e Melo and António José Seguro.
The confrontation between Marques Mendes and António José Seguro will be broadcast by RTP on December 3, and the debate between Gouveia e Melo and Seguro is planned for December 15.
Presidential elections are expected to take place on January 18, 2026.
