The Republic of Armenia, having gained independence in 1991, although not without shortcomings and issues (Nexus Intellect Research NGO, 2024), took the democracy and human rights path as the main and important pillar for further development both for internal and external policies. It has been highlighted that the country often lacks political participation, including electoral. awareness and knowledge of citizens on the main paths to democratic participation – elections as the one of the most fundamental and main forms of participation and respect of human rights.
But still mainly in the consolidated rural of Armenia communities people lack and are deprived of the information and knowledge to better understand their rights in electoral processes.
The four months long action aims to engage citizens in the democratic processes and provide them with relevant information across Gyumri city, Akhuryan, Artik, Ani, Ashotsk and Amasia. Several approaches and methodologies will be used: interactive theatre as an innovative tool for participation, awareness raising trainings for 30 youth and women on Electoral Code and related regulations, with a focus on encouraging their active participation in elections and a series of 12 portrait /programs/ with female representatives of Gyumri city council from all political parties.
At least 350 people will benefit from the proposed actions that will also share and disseminate their gained knowledge in their communities.
The project is implemented with the support of New Democracy Fund.
On 24-25th of April, 2026 “Local Democracy Agency” foundation hosted two trainings with international experts from ALDA (the European Association for Local Democracy) on propaganda, hate speech, disinformation and civic participation with local youth and women Gyumri, Armenia, within the project “Re-Elect,” supported by the New Democracy Fund.
On the first day, more than 30 participants have been provided with knowledge and skills in methods and tools to identify misinformation, disinformation, propaganda, fake news and hate speech, as well as the methods and approaches to counter them. On the second day, the participants were provided with knowledge and skills on how to build social resilience and increase civic engagement, as well as importance of gender representation in a democratic process.
Teona Macharashvi started with the international expertise on cognitive approach, influence and emotional aspects, shared practical tools how to identify propaganda, manipulation, and misinformation, disinformation. The participants also were split into groups to make emotional analysis of an article that turned to be fake and present their first reactions, thinking.
Nino Tvaltvadze provided a space to exchange the views in a safe and open environment on critical issues affecting the women and youth, fostering dialogue within the civil society and creating foundations for social cohesion.
After two days of the trainings the participants were delighted with the methods, knowledge and new experience gained.
On 1st of May, 2026 in the frames of the project “Re-Elect” a training on electoral laws, rights according to RA legislation and voting regulations, campaign, voting ballots, registrations took place by Arevik Navoyan, advisor of the president of Central Electoral Commission of Republic of Armenia. The participating youth and women became interested in all electoral processes starting from finding their names in the voters’ lists, valid documents, changing the polling stations, voting ballots, fingerprints identification etc. The training was accompanied by interactive methods of group working, talks and sharing opinions.
The knowledge gained mostly supports the youth that will vote first time for the coming parliamentary elections.
The project is implemented with the support of New Democracy Fund.
3․ The four-day trainings session in the frames of “Re-Elect” project was concluded with an interesting contribution on behalf of a lawyer and a trainer from A. D. Sakharov Armenian Human Rights Protection Centre Viktorya Eghoyan on 4th of May, 2026. The session focused on voting as an essential tool for the respect of human rights, international conventions, criminal cases for the violation of electoral rights defined by Electoral Code of RA. The training was accompanied by theoretical and video presentation, interactive approach and discussion that was available and easy to understand for the participants.
As a wrap-up of the trainings all participants received certificates of participation and expressed their satisfaction with the trainings content, approach and experienced international and local trainers. The project is implemented with the support of New Democracy Fund
The first program “Outspoken” with the participation of Arevik Navoyan, the advisor of CEC president covering issues on electoral processes, regulations and laws is available.
The program is elaborated in the frames of “RE-Elect” project by “Local Democracy Agency” foundation supported by New Democracy Fund.
The TV program is implemented in the frames of “Re-Elect” project by “Local Democracy Agency” foundation with support of New Democracy Fund:
The TV program is implemented in the frames of “Re-Elect” project by “Local Democracy Agency” foundation with support of New Democracy Fund.
Հատուկ շնորհակալություն հաղորդավար Լիլիթ Մակարյանին։
Special thanks to the host of the program Lilith Makaryan.
The TV program is implemented in the frames of “Re-Elect” project by “Local Democracy Agency” foundation with support of New Democracy Fund.
The TV program is implemented in the frames of “Re-Elect” project by “Local Democracy Agency” foundation with support of New Democracy Fund.
Our great interactive theatre on Local Self-Government has launched in Gyumri, with the young actors performing their talent and skills. The performance was of great success!!
Thanks to our performance team headed by Lilith Makaryan!
Wait for us in the communities of Shirak region in the coming period!
The project is implemented by “Local Democracy Agency” foundation in the frames of “Re-Elect” project with the support of New Democracy Fund.
On June 26, the “Interactive Theatre on Local Self-Government” performance took place in Artik community, that referred to local government election regulations, voting procedure, and citizens’ rights.
Thanks to the Head of the Artik community, Mr. Anan Voskanyan, for cooperation and support. The project is implemented by “Local Democracy Agency” foundation in the frames of “Re-Elect” project with the support of New Democracy Fund.
On June 28, the “Interactive Theatre on Local Self-Government” performance took place in Azatan community, that referred to local government election regulations, voting procedure, and citizens’ rights.
Thanks to Azatan administrative leader and Ter Makar for cooperation and support and for the warm welcome!
Thanks to our performance team headed by Lilith Makaryan!
The project is implemented by “Local Democracy Agency” foundation in the frames of “Re-Elect” project with the support of New Democracy Fund.
