More than 30 students, young leaders and civic activists from various high educational institutions across Georgia, took part in a three-day workshop “My Vote in Democracy”, organised by the Council of Europe. The event empowered participants with knowledge about electoral processes and human rights standards and provided them with tools to engage in democratic life.

The workshop focused on strengthening democratic resilience through meaningful youth participation. It featured expert presentations, interactive group exercises, and in-depth discussions on electoral integrity and voter rights.

Participants explored the role of young people not only as voters, but also as peer educators, and election observers, particularly in elections supported by digital technologies. Discussions were based on Council of Europe and other relevant international standards. The sessions also addressed electoral violations, the challenges voters face in making informed choices, and strategies for defending electoral rights.

Strong emphasis was placed on the human rights dimension of elections, with group exercises exploring the link between democratic freedoms and electoral processes. Sessions on the case law of the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) deepened participants’ understanding of how electoral disputes can be resolved through international legal mechanisms.

Another key part of the programme, titled “Youth for Change”, focused on the experiences of first-time voters, youth engagement in public affairs identifying barriers to participation. Discussions emphasised the importance of youth voices being heard in a public decision-making and encouraged creative thinking through the session “Vote Outside the Box”.

The workshop concluded with reflections on the challenges of enforcing electoral law and final presentations showcasing youth-led strategies to enhance civic engagement and safeguard voting rights.

The event was organised within the Council of Europe Project “Supporting Transparency, Inclusiveness and Integrity of Electoral Practice and Process in Georgia”, implemented in the framework of the Council of Europe Action Plan for Georgia (2024-2027).