Thursday, 23 June 2011 14:55

Speech of Elvira Kovács, EPP/CD, Serbia on Expansion of democracy by lowering the voting age to 16, at the Council of Europe PA June Session

On behalf of EPP, I would like to start by wholeheartedly congratulating my dear colleague Mr Aligrudic on his excellent report on an issue that contributes to the strengthening of our core principles and democratic values, more humane and embracing diversity in calling for the participation of the largest possible number of people in democratic processes.


The EPP group has already tabled several motions referring to the situation of the young people and promotion of their role in society, as it deems these matters to be one of crucial importance for the advancement of family role in upholding our common beliefs.

Young people have the right and therefore, they should also have the opportunity to have a real say when decisions affecting them are made be it at local, regional, national or international level.

Participation means being involved in community life. I am convinced that we should support youth participation by ensuring young people to experience the opportunities and face the respective challenges.

The voting rate amongst young people is significantly lower than that for the rest of the population. The new generations are less interested in politics, since there is a feeling among them of not having the possibility to influence any political decisions in their country at all. Their opinion is indeed rarely taken into consideration; political parties address young people’s problems only occasionally.

What is lacking is a continuous and structured dialogue, since only a small number of young people are consulted when policies in youth field are discussed. The part of the solution can be a better structured dialogue between politicians and young people who are not represented in any organization, as well as encouraging young people to become interested and active in politics.

Active participation in voting procedure is of key importance in a democratic society. Therefore, we should motivate young people to go out to vote and thus involving them in a decision-making process. As soon as our societies become more youth friendly, it will represent a driving force for the promotion of democracy, human rights and the rule of law.

It is indeed a real nonsense that young girls or boys of 16 are liable to prosecution but cannot take part in political decisions, so they can be convicted for a crime but do not have the right to vote. However, we must change this situation as soon as possible by lowering the voting age to 16.

Having this in mind, we have to provide proper environment and prepare young people for their active participation in civic life by providing better education for democratic citizenship and facilitating their full integration into the structures of our society.



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thursday, 28 march
  • 9.00 - consultations of representatives of the parliamentary groups about the election of deputy chairpersons of the National Assembly working bodies (National Assembly House, 13 Nikola Pasic Square, hall 1)

  • 10.00 - visit of the students of Stevan Dukic Elementary School to the National Assembly House (National Assembly House, 13 Nikola Pasic Square)

  • 11.00 - visit of the students of Drinka Pavlovic Elementary School Student Parliament to the National Assembly House (National Assembly House, 13 Nikola Pasic Square)

  • 11.00 - press conference of the Green-Left Front – Don’t Let Belgrade D(r)оwn Parliamentary Group (National Assembly House 13, Nikola Pasic Square. Central Hall)

  • 13.00 - the National Assembly Speaker meets with the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to the Republic of Serbia (National Assembly House, 13 Nikola Pasic Square, Speaker’s Cabinet)

Full event calendar