Fair and free elections constitute the essence and base of democracy. It is vital that young people are aware of the place and the importance of elections, the values implied in democratic processes and, foremost, that their vote counts.

For over a decade, the Council of Europe is supporting education of voters in Albania with particular focus on first time voters. In partnership with the Academy of Political Studies, the Central Election Commission and the Albanian Ministry of Education, Sport and Youth, a new national election education programme started reaching out to 35 000 Matura students at national level.

By means of this programme, Matura students shall be introduced in theory and practice to the democratic election process, motivated to following its different stages and to organise mock elections, in 385 high schools in Albania. The aim is to show the students how democratic elections work and that they can serve not only to elect the central and local institutions, but also student representatives in their own schools.

The moto of the campaign this year will be: Take 4 minutes to decide for your next 4 years!