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Young people and members of civil society and the community of Lezha, came together for an important discussion centered on the presentation of H.A.N.A’s Monitoring Report on the 2025 Parliamentary Elections in Lezha. The report, developed through close observation and analysis of the electoral process, outlined key findings and highlighted critical challenges that shaped how citizens — especially youth — experienced and understood democracy.
One of the main topics that came up in conversation was the demonization of politics in Albania. Many young people perceive “politics” not as a shared civic responsibility but as a synonym for corruption, division, or party interests. This distorted understanding discourages youth from seeing themselves as active citizens and risks leaving decision-making in the hands of a few.
The report reflected on how elections are experienced, especially by first-time voters. For many, the act of voting felt reduced to a routine or a personal transaction, rather than a collective decision about the future of their community. Historical loyalties and clientelistic practices often overshadowed debates about ideas or programs, reinforcing the sense that elections serve narrow interests instead of the public good.
Another finding presented was the gap in local good governance and continuous participation. While elections occur every few years, the monitoring process showed that opportunities for meaningful civic engagement between elections remain limited. Mechanisms such as school councils, public consultations, and citizen monitoring are often underused, creating a perception that institutions do not listen.
In discussing the report, the participants highlighted their own efforts to counter these challenges: conducting surveys in schools, engaging with institutions, organizing awareness campaigns and protests about education, and launching petitions to influence Lezha’s Education Plan. These initiatives, which emerged during the monitoring period, demonstrated how youth activism can transform frustration into constructive civic action.
The debate that followed the report presentation made clear that these findings are not just statistics. They directly shape how young people perceive democracy and whether they feel motivated to take part in decision-making. As participants concluded, electoral processes cannot build trust on their own; they must be accompanied by genuine opportunities for participation, transparency, and accountability at every level of governance.
ℹ This meeting is part of the program “Youth for the Truth – Media Education to Combat Electoral Disinformation in Lezha,” implemented by H.A.N.A, supported by See Check Network, and funded by the European Union.
