Lithuania’s democracy knowledge contest draws over 13,000 participants

The fifth annual Democracy Knowledge Contest, designed to test civic literacy among students and adults, attracted more than 13,000 participants, the Seimas Chancellery announced on Friday.

“Each year, the contest brings together participants of all ages from across Lithuania, showing that interest in democracy and civic engagement remains strong. This is not just a test of knowledge but an opportunity to better understand the state and our role in it,” said Seimas Chancellor Algirdas Stonšaitis in a statement.

The top 60 high school students (grades 9–12) will advance to the final, held on May 9 at the Seimas. Finalists will take a test in the March 11 Act Hall and participate in a simulation of parliamentary work, stepping into the role of lawmakers in the Seimas chamber. All finalists will receive commemorative gifts, while top scorers may win trips to the European Parliament in Brussels and the Council of Europe in Strasbourg, as well as electronic devices.

Organisers noted that ahead of the contest, the democracy knowledge team conducted civic education lessons in 133 schools nationwide over two months, prioritising smaller and previously unvisited institutions. The contest has been held annually since 2022.