Overview

• Preliminary data indicate the final debate on May 27 sustained under-20% viewership, extending the decline from earlier rounds.
• The first two debates logged combined ratings of 19.6% and 18.4%, roughly half the 39% share of the initial 2022 televised debate.
• Experts link waning live‐TV audiences to deepened ideological divides after December’s martial law crisis.
• Media analysts warn that traditional ratings understate reach as voters increasingly turn to online clips and social media highlights.
• With only three debates mandated before the June 3 vote, observers call for format reforms to better engage a disengaged electorate.