The Central Election Commission (CEC), the National Agency for Pre-University Education (AKAP), and the Academy of Political Studies (ASP) have launched the electoral education program for over 20,000 high school students who will vote for the first time in the May 11, 2025 elections. This program is part of the Council of Europe (CoE) project "Strengthening Electoral Integrity in Albania (SEI)" and is financially supported by the Federal Republic of Germany.

Following the signing of the trilateral Memorandum of Cooperation for the implementation of the program, CEC Chair Ilirjan Celibashi held a meeting with the German Ambassador to Albania, Karl Bergner, and the Head of the Council of Europe Office in Tirana, Ms. Giulia Re.

Expressing gratitude to the German Embassy and the Council of Europe for their continuous support, Commissioner Celibashi emphasized the importance of this program in enhancing education and youth participation in the country’s democratic and electoral processes. He also highlighted the need for a more systematic approach to first-time voter education and the extension of electoral education to commissioners and future trainers, contributing to the overall improvement of election standards.

Ambassador Karl Bergner stressed that the program is an excellent opportunity to bring young people closer to democratic processes and help them understand the importance of participating in elections as part of their rights. He noted that youth engagement is essential for a healthy democracy.

Ms. Giulia Re, Head of the Council of Europe Office in Tirana, expressed ongoing support for the CEC and any initiative that contributes to raising the standards of democratic processes in the country. She praised the commitment of the institutions involved in the program’s implementation and in ensuring its sustainability.

The Director General of AKAP, Ms. Rezarta Alla, described the program as an added value to youth education and confirmed the Ministry of Education’s commitment to its realization, as it contributes to increasing knowledge of youth rights.

Mr. Erjon Tase, director of the Academy of Political Studies, emphasized that the education program is based by an accredited curriculum and aims to become part of civic education for high school seniors, with the goal of increasing their electoral participation.

The Memorandum of Cooperation aims to implement activities that integrate electoral education into the school system and promote youth engagement and participation in the country’s decision-making processes.