‘Game show’: Iranian candidates slam debate format, trade barbs

Presidential hopefuls exchange accusations during second debate, criticise state television over handling of sessions.

Tehran, Iran – The seven men running to become Iran’s president have once again traded barbs in their second debate, while also criticising state television for the way the sessions are being conducted. Several of the candidates, both conservative and moderate, recognised that the peculiar format of the debates – the first of which was held on Saturday – stifle meaningful dialogue on the major issues at hand ahead of the June 18 polls. In Tuesday’s three-hour debate, each candidate was randomly posed a question and then had four minutes to reply, after which his microphone was automatically turned off. Throughout the broadcast, candidates also had two four-minute sessions to address other candidates and their programmes, as well as two three-minute periods to defend themselves and their plans.