Agenda Profile: Varro Vooglaid

First Reading of the Draft Act amending the Riigikogu Election Act, the Local Government Council Election Act, and the European Parliament Election Act (292 SE)

2024-03-20

15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary sitting

Political Position
The main political position is strong opposition to the current e-voting system, which is considered unconstitutional and undermining the legitimacy of democracy, as nearly 40% of citizens do not trust its reliability. The position is value-based, emphasizing that the reliability of elections is immeasurably more important than convenience. The speaker demands the restoration of the people's democratic rights, including the right to popular initiative and referendums, which were taken away by the 1934 coup d'état.

13 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise regarding the technical and legal problems of the e-voting system, citing constitutional provisions (specifically § 60, concerning secrecy and uniformity) and international practice. This expertise is supported by quotes and references to articles by Villu Kõve, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court; Märt Põder, a digital rights activist; and academic Martin Ehala. Particular emphasis is placed on the greater severity of threats originating from within the system compared to external cyberattacks.

13 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is forceful and intensely critical, warning of the potential loss of state authority's legitimacy and internal fragmentation, which could lead to "complete anarchy." The speaker employs numerous logical arguments, drawing upon the constitution, international comparisons, and expert opinions. Strong emotional language is also utilized (for example, claiming e-elections are "rotting") alongside rhetorical questions to underscore the gravity of the issue and the lack of accountability.

13 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speech concerns the first reading of a specific draft bill (292 SE) in the Riigikogu. Mention is made of previous participation in the Constitutional Committee sessions and the submission of interpellations to Minister of Justice Kalle Laanet. The speaker also refers to recent press articles, which demonstrates continuous monitoring of the topic and ongoing public debate.

13 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are the Reform Party and government officials, who are criticized for defending the e-voting system while ignoring constitutional issues and expert criticism. The criticism targets political will and procedural irresponsibility, noting that trust ultimately rests on the "internal conviction of a handful of officials." The speaker also criticizes the Supreme Court for being overly vague and failing to provide a direct assessment, and draws parallels between the e-elections in Estonia and Russia.

13 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The collaborative style centers on referencing and endorsing the positions held by like-minded experts and colleagues (Jaak Valge, Martin Helme). The speaker points out that of the parties represented in the Riigikogu, only EKRE supports restoring the democratic rights of the people, attributing this to the lack of preparedness among the other parties. No willingness to compromise is expressed; instead, the necessity of completely dismantling the system is stressed.

13 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is national (Estonia's constitutional order and the legitimacy of elections) and international, highlighting examples of the use and subsequent abandonment of e-voting in European countries (e.g., the Netherlands, Germany, Denmark) and contrasting Estonia with Russia. There is no concentration on specific Estonian regional or local issues.

13 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views are absent, aside from a note stating that e-voting does not make conducting elections any cheaper. The green transition is mentioned in a negative context, suggesting it will lead to the impoverishment of people and that its implementation requires the preservation of a specific political formation.

13 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
There are no direct positions on social issues. However, it is emphasized that the lack of credibility in elections leads to internal division among the populace, the loss of trust in the state, and the alienation of citizens from state institutions.

13 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative priority is the termination of the e-voting system through the draft bill amending the election laws (Bill 292 SE), as it contradicts constitutional requirements (secrecy, verifiability). Furthermore, emphasis is placed on the need to restore the people's right to initiate referendums and to change the electoral procedure for the Riigikogu (Parliament) in order to reduce doubts.

13 Speeches Analyzed