Like many young people, Victor Zinenco, a 19-year-old student at State Pedagogical University “Ion Creangă”, had witnessed several elections before casting his first vote. Yet he gained a deeper understanding of the electoral process when he helped organise the Republic of Moldova’s 2025 parliamentary elections as a member of a precinct electoral bureau. “Elections were no longer theoretical for me—seeing how much care and transparency each vote requires made it real,” Victor says.

In August this year, Victor joined the Electoral School for Young People (Democracy Café), organised by the Council of Europe in partnership with the Centre for Continuous Electoral Training (CICDE) of the Republic of Moldova. He shared his experience with 22 other young people from Chișinău, Anenii Noi, Basarabeasca, Criuleni, Dubăsari, Orhei, Râșcani, Telenești, as well as members of the Moldovan diaspora in Ireland, Romania and Germany. During the four days the participants spent in the village of Costești, Ialoveni district, they explored some of the main challenges facing modern elections, including the misuse of administrative resources, electoral risks, misinformation, the influence of social media and the growing role of artificial intelligence.

From polling station to civic empowerment

Victor described scepticism and misinformation among young people as common features of electoral campaigns, particularly online. He wants to challenge the “nothing ever changes” assumption held by people who do not vote, refusing to let the future of the Republic of Moldova be decided without meaningful youth participation. “If you’re unsure about voting, start small—seek reliable information, ask questions and get involved. Active participation is vital because the decisions made today shape our tomorrow,” he urges.

The Electoral School broadened Victor’s perspective. “I already understood voting procedures, but here I saw the bigger picture—how digital tools can be used ethically to inform young people and counter disinformation. Civic involvement today means more than casting a ballot; it means using innovation to help others understand the options available to them and why making an informed choice matters.”

Vladalina Racu: Confident choices, informed decisions

The programme also addressed inclusion, including gender equality and the accessibility of voting procedures. Beyond the theoretical sessions, participants developed practical skills through simulations, including preparing speeches, presenting electoral platforms and taking part in a full mock electoral process, from campaigning to the announcement of results.

Vladalina Racu, a pupil at Theoretical Lyceum Holercani, also attended the Electoral School. “For me, voting has always stood for freedom and equality,” she says. “Most information about elections online is critical, aimed at favouring some politicians or attacking others. False promises and myths crop up, especially at election time.”

Vladalina’s motivation stems from her belief in the power of every person’s vote: “I believe each vote matters, and that by everyone taking part, we can help build a better community.”

The Electoral School exceeded Vladalina’s expectations. “It was a unique experience, blending personal development with a deeper understanding of electoral systems. I discovered new concepts, such as postal voting, and learned how long the electoral cycle really lasts—sometimes beginning four years before election day. Now, I feel prepared and motivated not only to vote, but also to participate actively and inform my community about the electoral process and the importance of making informed choices,” she says.

Her advice to other young voters is to verify everything they see online or hear from others. “Learn to form your own opinion and take advantage of training opportunities like this to develop your electoral awareness.”

The Council of Europe is organising the Electoral School for the fifth time as part of the project Improving Electoral Practice in the Republic of Moldova (IEPRM) 2025–2028, within the Council of Europe Action Plan for the Republic of Moldova 2025–2028, and in cooperation with the Centre for Continuing Electoral Training.