Following the observation of the local self-government elections in Stepanavan held on October 25, we spoke with Rozita Khachatryan about youth civic education and monitoring experience.
1. Why does “We” Youth NGO of Lori Region emphasize the involvement of youth in election monitoring?
Election monitoring is one of the most impactful formats of civic education for young people. A short-term observer does not get acquainted with elections from the sidelines; all day long- from the opening of the polling station to the vote counting-they are at the center of the process and bear real responsibility. The work of each observer directly affects the quality of the conclusions drawn by the monitoring mission. For “We”, it is important that a young person not only hears about democratic institutions, but also becomes a part of them. Therefore, within the framework of the “Azat Qve” (Free Vote) initiative, we attach special importance to the participation of young observers.
2. What changes in young people after having the monitoring experience?
The training and field experience complement each other: the training provides knowledge, while the field provides conviction. During the trainings, young people get acquainted with the Electoral Code, procedures, and their rights. However, it is only at the polling station that they see what happens when these procedures are not followed, and what changes when the observer does not remain silent. When the commission corrects a procedure following an observer’s remark, or when a violation is officially recorded in the logbook, the young person sees the tangible result of their work. At that very moment, civic consciousness transforms from an idea into personal experience.
3. How does “We” Youth NGO of Lori Region envision the path to increasing youth civic engagement?
Our experience in non-formal education shows that the most effective method is involving young people in real processes. Dozens of trainings cannot replace that single day when a young person sees with their own eyes three things: a portion of voters do not know the voting procedure, commission members are not always adequately prepared, and their own presence and attention directly affect the quality of the process. When a young person feels their role and usefulness, they are no longer a bystander, but a responsible participant in the process. For this reason, “We” will continue to build its educational programs around practical participation, ensuring that every training course concludes with real action.
The “We” Youth NGO of Lori Region is a member of the “Azat Qve” monitoring initiative. The initiative was established in 2026 by the “We” Youth NGO of Lori Region and the “Youth for Change” NGO, and maintains political neutrality.
