The Council of Europe, in co-operation with the Central Election Commission (CEC), the National Agency for Pre-University Education, and the Academy of Political Studies, has launched an electoral education programme for more than 20,000 high school graduates who will vote for the first time in the elections of 11 May 2025. This programme is part of the Council of Europe project “Strengthening Elections Integrity in Albania”, funded by the Federal Republic of Germany.

Following the signing of a tripartite Memorandum of Cooperation, State Election Commissioner Ilirjan Celibashi met with the German Ambassador to Albania, H. E. Karl Bergner, and the Head of the Council of Europe Office in Tirana, Giulia Re. In the framework of raising election standards, Mr Celibashi emphasised the importance of the programme for engaging young people in democratic processes, promoting systematic education for first-time voters and extending electoral education to future commissioners and trainers.

Ambassador Bergner highlighted the significance of youth participation in elections, but also the need for initiatives to support youth in understanding their rights, while Ms Re expressed her continued support for the CEC and acknowledged the commitment of all institutions involved towards the programme’s sustainability. The Director General of the National Agency for Pre-University Education, Rezarta Alla, and the Director of the Academy of Political Studies, Erjon Tase, both emphasised the added value of the programme in educating young people about their rights and increasing their participation in elections.

The Young Voter’s Education Programme aims to integrate electoral education into the school system and promote youth participation in the country's democratic decision-making processes.