The three-day event offered an immersive learning experience aimed at strengthening civic engagement and electoral literacy among youth. Participants addressed several topics such as electoral principles, voting procedures, electoral administration’s structure, alternative voting methods, misuse of administrative resources during electoral campaigns, with a particular focus on the forthcoming parliamentary elections. They also discussed electoral fraud and accessibility, based on tools and methodologies developed by the Council of Europe to promote inclusive and transparent electoral processes.
The participants simulated the electoral process, with teams developeing platforms, delivering speeches, and conducting a mock vote. This exercise will allow them to put their newly acquired knowledge to practice, from vote counting to announcement of results.
“The electoral school is not just about learning about voting and democracy but discovering that my voice has the power to change the community I live in”, said one of the participants, Victoria Matarin, a student at the "Nicolae Iorga" Theoretical High School in Chisinau.
“Young people's involvement in the electoral process is not only a right, but also a responsibility for our future”, stated another participant, Alexandra Verstiuc, a student at Agroindustrial College in Ungheni.
The initiative aims to empower the next generation of voters and leaders, ensuring that youth voices are heard and respected in the Republic of Moldova’s democratic processes.
The event was organised by the Council of Europe Office in Chisinau in partnership with the Centre for Continuous Electoral Training within the framework of the Project “Improving electoral practice in the Republic of Moldova (IEPRM) 2025–2028”, part of the Council of Europe Action Plan for the Republic of Moldova 2025–2028
