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Local experts have shown mixed reactions regarding the format of the scriptless two-hour discussion session. Some viewed it as a breath of fresh air, saying that viewers rarely get to see how presidential candidates handle impromptu questions by their opponents and without their campaign advisers

The live broadcast of the debates among the presidential candidates would be “one of the best ways” to enhance the Iranians’ awareness and help them identify the best hopeful, Ayatollah Mohammad Ali Movahedi Kermani said in an address to worshipers at the weekly Friday prayers in the Iranian capital

In what was an energized crowd April 17 at a debate between Los Angeles City Councilman Gil Cedillo and challenger Joe Bray-Ali in advance of the city's district 1 runoff election next month, an audience member yelled at the Indian American challenger to "Go back to India."

For those watching the debate, it stood out. Horgan with a scowl on his face, as both Clark and Green Party Leader Andrew Weaver chuckled.

The two mainstream party leaders faced-off in a heated debate yesterday evening on popular current affairs programme Xarabank, to address allegations made by journalist and blogger Daphne Caruana Galizia.

But ‘don’t touch me’ isn’t working out quite as well for B.C. NDP leader John Horgan, who’s making national headlines for his scrappy and aggressive debate behaviour — which led to a bizarre exchange.

Live debates have been a hugely popular feature of the last two elections in 2009 and 2013, with many analysts saying Rouhani's performance was key to his surprise victory last time.

It will be divided into two sessions: one on politics, diplomacy and national security and the other on educational, economic, social and cultural issues.

Mrs May said she wanted to spend the election campaign meeting voters and that she already takes part in debates with Jeremy Corbyn on a weekly basis in the House of Commons in the form of Prime Minister's questions.

Mr Rennie said the Scottish people had the "right to hear from their political leaders" and criticised the Prime Minister's decision not to take part in a TV debate.

Prime Minister Theresa May has faced criticism for refusing to take part in televised debates in the run up to the General Election. There have been calls for TV broadcasters to "empty chair" Mrs May after she said she would not debate the frontmen and women of the opposition.

Mrs May’s refusal to agree to election debates failed to stop both the BBC and ITV pressing ahead with plans to stage them without her.