Election Administration (EA) summed up the results of one of the successful projects “Electoral Development School”. During two day meeting, the outcome of the project and its future plans were discussed. Tamar Zhvania, Chairperson of the Central Election Commission (CEC) of Georgia and Natia Zaalishvili, the Training Center Director along with the participants also discussed learning modules, practical exercises, revealed inaccuracies and generally learning methodology.

Representatives of the CEC and its Training Center attended the meeting along with the members of the District Election Commissions (DEC), who were at the same time trainers of the “Electoral Development School”; in addition, representatives of Council of Europe (CoE) and the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) were present at the event.

During discussing the project with the attendees, Ms. Zhvania emphasized its international success. As she noted, the CEC of Georgia plans to cooperate with several countries EA’s in the framework of this project - “we plan to invite in Georgia some of EA’s representatives in order to introduce with the project and explain the implementation of the “electoral development school” for youth in their home countries. It should be noted, that this project is nominated for the international electoral award in the award category of “Citizens’ Engagement Award” at the 13th international electoral affairs symposium organized by the International Centre for Parliamentary Studies (ICPS). The project is among finalists. We plan to continue the project in the future, introduce innovations and ensure high level of youth participation” – noted Chairperson.

The CEC launched the project “Electoral Development School” in 2015 at 10 election districts. Due to high interest among youth, three courses were provided in 2015 instead of initial one. As a result of successful implementation of the project, the number of schools was doubled this year and training was conducted in 20 municipalities. 1080 young people participated in electoral development schools between the year 2015 and 2016. The study course is designed for youth at age 18-24. Participants were receiving very important information within 10 days on such topics as: election system, democratic principles of elections, elective bodies in Georgia, electoral stakeholders, transparency of elections and accessibility, also gender equality.

The project ”Electoral Development School” was implemented in cooperation with the IFES, United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and with the financial support of CoE.