Today, Sarajevo hosted a public event Welcome to Electionville organized by the Institute for Youth Development KULT in partnership with the Embassy of Sweden in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Local Democracy Agency Mostar, giving young people in Sarajevo an opportunity to briefly work as city councilors and address the issues of general importance to local government.
The event was officially opened by the Ambassador of Sweden to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Johanna Strömquist, the Mayor of Sarajevo, Benjamina Karić and the General Director of the Institute for Youth Development KULT, Jasmin Bešić.
“I am very glad that we are able to bring the Electionville game to Sarajevo. The game was created in Sweden by the Swedish Association of Local Authorities and Regions. The original version of Electionville was intended to be played on a table, and the Swedish Institute has developed it in such a way that it can be played in a large format on the floor. We are very glad that young people from Bosnia and Herzegovina can join thousands of young people who have already played this game in Sweden and that they will be able to see what it is like to work in the city or municipal council, and make serious and difficult decisions. During the game, you will see that compromise is necessary. It is not only important to know what you want to do, but also how it is possible to achieve it and turn it into reality. I would also like to thank the partners, the Institute for Youth Development KULT, as one of our oldest partners, and the Agency for Local Democracy from Mostar, with which we have been cooperating recently. In addition, I want to thank our hosts and local politicians – we are honored that the mayor is with us today and we are happy to have cooperation with the Municipality of Stari Grad, and that we can be in this beautiful environment today,” said Johanna Strömquist, Swedish Ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Welcome to Electionville, a game played in Mostar last month, is the perfect tool for practicing the core values of a democratic society such as inclusiveness, participation and gender equality, but emphasizes the importance of compromise and dialogue at work.
“Thank you for honoring me and inviting me to be a part of this gathering with young people. You are our pride, our future and our geniuses. I believe in you, your knowledge and energy. It is no coincidence that this event takes place in the square in front of the City Hall. The symbolism is great because I believe that, in addition to knowing and convinced that you will lead Bosnia and Herzegovina to a better future, many of you will be city councilors tomorrow and work in our City Hall, and maybe we have a new mayor among you. I want you to believe in your knowledge, expertise and to always look to the stars. You will always have our support on your path and towards your views. When I came here, I first looked at the topics you stated you wanted to discuss. The topics are: economic development, child protection, education, health care, tourism, spatial plans, art, culture … As long as you recognize these topics as important, I do not care about our future. Ambassador Johanna, thank you for giving our young people the opportunity to show what they know, what they can and make us proud for who knows how many times“, said Benjamina Karić, the mayor of Sarajevo.
Originally made as a board game commissioned by the Swedish Association of Local Authorities and Regions, the game Welcome to Electionville has been played over 13,000 times so far and available in over fifty percent of primary and secondary schools in Sweden.
“I am extremely glad that in partnership with LDA Mostar and the Embassy of Sweden in Bosnia and Herzegovina, we have the opportunity to host such a great, serious game that you will surely remember for a long time. As you know, the Institute for Youth Development KULT was the co-creator of the law on youth in Bosnia and Herzegovina and our intention has always been to provide young people a lot of space, to be creators of decisions that affect them, to participate in the decision-making process and to act responsibly. With the support of the Government of the Kingdom of Sweden in recent years, we had the opportunity to launch an innovative education for youth political leaders UMiDp (Learn, think and act for youth political leaders) which showed that such education helps young people to know themselves in a political environment, to get acquainted with the political system of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the level of government for which they are running, and how to justify the trust of citizens. I believe that today’s game will open new doors for young people in the world of politics, that, regardless of whether they will be involved in politics, they will look at politicians differently and accordingly make critical decisions when choosing future political decision makers. In the coming years, with the support of Sweden, the Institute will continue to work a lot in the field of youth development, not only in political terms but also through strengthening young people in the non-governmental sector, strengthening teachers who will bring such democratic processes to schools and we will work with governmental officials to meet all mandatory legal provisions“, said Jasmin Bešić, General Director of the Institute for Youth Development KULT.
Fifteen young people between the ages of 15 and 24 took over the responsibility of decision-making at the City Council level in front of the City Hall in Sarajevo by participating in the Welcome to Electionville game. During the game, democratic processes were simplified, the importance of negotiations and ways of reaching the compromise necessary in everyday work were emphasized.
Participants were divided into five teams, and each team had different priorities in their work. During the game, through which the participants were guided by the Game Master, the teams had to reach an agreement acceptable to all parties, and enable the continuation of the game, i.e., the work of the City Council.
“The game was very interesting because we, as young activists, someone who is interested in political life or improving the status of young people, entered the shoes of people who need to make decisions today and tomorrow, and take care of their city. Although we know it was all imaginary, at the same time we had to consider a greater interest. We had to think about our personal decisions, but also what they would be like if we were part of a political option at a certain moment. The experience was very important for me because I had the opportunity to exchange experiences with others, and learn more about the range of needs of young people in the Sarajevo area. Through direct work with young people and exchange of opinions, we have a better understanding of democracy itself and its application in practice“, said Nikola Kandić, one of the participants.
After the game was completed, participants had the opportunity to talk to councilors of the City Council of Sarajevo, and through the conversation, find answers to questions about democratic processes, daily work of the Council, but also the challenges that councilors face in their work.
Welcome to Electionville continues to travel through Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the next game is scheduled for Friday, October 22 in Banja Luka in Mladen Stojanović Park. By participating in democratic processes in the way that young people from other European countries do, young people in Bosnia and Herzegovina remain competitive in the market, follow the development of other countries, but are not afraid to accept change.
The Institute for Youth Development KULT would like to thank the partners and friends who made it possible to organize today’s public event, and especially the Municipality of Stari Grad, which made Electionville possible on the square across from the City Hall in Sarajevo.
