Under the auspices of Dr. Mohammed Abdel Samiea Eid, President of Assiut University, Center for Studies and Research on Human Rights together with the International Electoral Systems Organization, have organized the second and third training programs on Voting Rights and Democratic Orientation in Upper Egypt. Dr Essam M. Zanaty, Professor and Director of the Center for Studies and Research on Human Rights indicated that these programs are meant to carry out the role of the university in enhancing students’ awareness and information regarding their rights to participate in political issues and electoral systems with empowered will and freedom of choice.  These programs, Prof. Zanaty added, aim at explaining and highlighting problems of democracy; problems which arise from illiteracy and poverty and leave a negative impact on the freedom of choice and the voter’s will in Upper Egypt.   The training programs are part of the training activity held by the university. This training activity includes eight academic sessions throughout the period of two months. Within this activity several lectures will be delivered on various topics such as:  the principles and concepts of human rights, electoral systems, the importance and forms of political participation, election management, and electoral crimes. Besides, each training program will host 50 students from the universities of Assiut, Sohag and Minia.