Session Profile: Mario Kadastik
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary sitting
2024-04-17
Political Position
The political position involves strong support for the e-voting system, emphasizing its technological reliability and auditability. The speaker’s goal is to refute misconceptions regarding the system's security, while also proposing a potential development direction toward m-voting (mobile voting) to enhance privacy. This position is clearly grounded in both policy and technology.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates deep technical expertise in the fields of e-voting, cybersecurity, and cryptography, having personally gained hands-on experience with the technological aspects. Specific terms are used, such as code auditing, the two-envelope system, encrypted data, and hashes, to explain the system's control mechanisms. This expertise is further highlighted by references to training sessions organized by RIA and VVK, as well as the availability of Estonian cybersecurity experts.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is explanatory, logical, and technically detailed, with the goal of refuting skeptical claims that have been voiced. The tone is matter-of-fact and at times defensive, emphasizing the need for technological literacy to understand the system. Analogies (world banking) and technical facts are used to support the arguments, while avoiding emotional appeals.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker refers to their previous work and experience with the technological aspects of e-elections. It is mentioned that RIA (the Estonian Information System Authority) and the National Electoral Committee have repeatedly organized training sessions before the elections to explain the technical system in detail.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The opposition is directed at those who present misconceptions about the e-voting system, especially regarding the software's auditability. The criticism is technical and fundamental, emphasizing that the opposing side lacks sufficient technological fluency to validate the system. The opponents' claims are deemed dangerous because they leave a misleading impression.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker endorses the auditing topic raised by the colleague (Martin), indicating a willingness to concur on technical matters. Emphasis is placed on the role of state institutions (RIA, VVK) in knowledge dissemination and system validation.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is both national (Estonian e-elections, Estonian cybersecurity experts) and international, comparing the security of the Estonian system against global financial systems. There is no local or regional focus.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
There are no direct economic implications. An analogy is used involving the protection of global banks and trillions of dollars worth of assets, to emphasize the critical importance and reliability of cryptographic systems.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Among the social topics addressed is the importance of technological literacy in understanding and controlling democratic processes. Emphasis is placed on ensuring privacy in the election process through the two-envelope system, and m-voting is seen as having the potential for further improving privacy.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on defending and validating the technical foundation of the existing e-voting system during the Riigikogu session. The speaker supports the further development of the system, positively referencing the potential for introducing m-voting.
1 Speeches Analyzed