collage from UNIAN

Zurab Alasania, Chairman of the Board of the National Public Broadcasting Company of Ukraine (UA:PBC), says the company is starting negotiations with presidential candidates, that is, incumbent President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko and frontrunner of the presidential race Volodymyr Zelensky, regarding the organization of their debates.

"Can the National Public Broadcasting Company arrange the debates? That's not even a question. Of course, we can," he wrote on Facebook on April 4.

According to Alasania, both candidates have agreed to hold the debates. "Now, that is up to the Central Election Commission (CEC) to organize them, and, under the law, finance the event from the state budget."

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"Therefore, we are starting negotiations with all parties," he added.

Read alsoInterior Ministry says ready to "ensure security" at Kyiv stadium during presidential debate

As UNIAN reported earlier, the Central Election Commission processed 100% of the protocols of the precinct election commissions in the first round of presidential elections in Ukraine.

Data posted on the CEC website say showman Volodymyr Zelensky is confidently leading with 30.24% of the votes.

At the same time, 15.95% of voters cast their ballots in favor of incumbent head of state Petro Poroshenko.

Zelensky said on Wednesday, April 3, he was ready to hold debates with Poroshenko pending the second round of the presidential elections but named a number of conditions. In particular, the event should take place at the Olympiyskiy Stadium, in front of the people of Ukraine. Moreover, all channels should be able to broadcast it live. Zelensky gave Poroshenko 24 hours for decision-making.

In turn, Poroshenko agreed to hold debates with Zelensky at the Olympiyskiy Stadium.