Agenda Profile: Mario Kadastik
Second Reading of the Draft Act (344 SE) on the Amendment of the Riigikogu Election Act and Related Amendment of Other Acts
2024-04-17
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary sitting
Political Position
The most prominent topic is the technological security and reliability of e-voting. The speaker strongly supports the existing system, refuting misconceptions regarding a lack of oversight, and emphasizes that the system is technically verifiable. Furthermore, they support the introduction of m-voting (mobile voting), viewing it as potentially superior for ensuring privacy. Their positions are firmly rooted in policy and technology.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker introduces himself as a technology expert, possessing profound knowledge of the technical architecture of e-voting and cybersecurity. He explains in detail the operation of code auditing, hash verification, cryptographic keys, and the two-envelope system. He stresses that Estonia has sufficient experts familiar with cryptography and the entire process, noting that this very system safeguards trillions of dollars worth of global assets.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is explanatory, rational, and authoritative, with the goal of correcting technical misconceptions. The speaker uses formal and technical language, relying on logical arguments and technical details. He advises skeptics to review the RIA visualizations and consult experts, showing slight frustration that incorrect opinions continue to persist.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Not enough data.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The speaker is countering e-voting skeptics and those who spread misconceptions about the system's alleged lack of oversight. The criticism is aimed at technical misunderstandings, such as the claim that the software cannot be audited or verified. This counter-argument is technically justified, with the goal of refuting misinformation.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker referred supportively to a colleague ("Martin") on the topic of auditing, showing common ground among the proponents. They also mentioned that RIA and the Republic Electoral Committee (VVK) have organized training sessions, which points to cooperation with state institutions in explaining the system.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is at the national level, addressing the Estonian e-voting system and its reliability. Furthermore, parallels are drawn with international cybersecurity and cryptography standards that protect global assets.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Direct economic views are not presented, but it is emphasized that the cryptography underlying e-elections protects global assets worth trillions. This points to the high value placed on digital security as a critical component of the economy.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The speaker addresses the issue of privacy, explaining how the two-envelope system ensures anonymity. He/She also emphasizes the necessity of technological literacy in order to verify the system. The introduction of M-voting (mobile voting) is considered a potentially better way to achieve privacy.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on the draft act amending the Riigikogu Election Act (344 SE), the second reading of which the speaker is participating in. He/She operates as a technical support specialist for the system, defending the security and verifiability of the e-voting mechanism within the context of the bill.
1 Speeches Analyzed