Agenda Profile: Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart
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
An opposition figure and a defender of democratic norms. It opposed the coalition's method of altering and bundling the opposition's amendments, and stressed that obstruction is a necessary tool for protecting the interests of the electorate. On a broader level, it advocates for transparency, trust, and the protection of private data, and criticized the rapid implementation of mobile voting solutions without sufficient guarantees.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The expert on local electoral systems and e-voting security issues mentioned facial recognition, redundant servers, app stores, and e-voting risk management, and cited the legislative explanatory memorandum and the Chancellor of Justice's observations alongside other authoritative sources. He/She referred to specific technical and legal arguments (e.g., a vote verification application for mobile devices, e-notary services, transparency, and legal clarity).
9 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetoric consistently adopts a confrontational and critical tone regarding the coalition's actions, employing formal language and a strong ethical dissent. Speakers present fact-based arguments and references to case analyses (e.g., the opinions of the Chancellor of Justice), emphasizing the linking of amendment proposals and the violation of opposition rights. The emotional impact is underscored by concerns about democracy, voter trust, and the security of elections, and they highlight the risk of intervention by third parties and the influence of large corporations. The linguistic form is formal and elevated, but includes narrative elements and specific examples (e.g., the process of electing Ossinovski as mayor), and emphasizes the democratic nature of obstruction and the problematic aspects of restricting it.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
They participated intensively in the debate that took place over the course of one day; referred to the extensive discussion and several subsequent statements echoing it; emphasized that obstruction and the restriction of parliamentary recesses were taking place as part of the protest. They demonstrated continued engagement and maintained a critical connection by criticizing the coalition's actions.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main critical targets are the coalition and its measures (the bundling of amendments, the limitation of recesses). To emphasize the strong division, it is stressed that obstruction is a justified and necessary method for the opposition, and an attempt is made to protect the opposition's rights and the integrity of democratic procedures. Requests to ease the procedures that were under the coalition's control are clearly critical.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The situation is critical, but the foundation rests upon institutional oversight and the input from the Chancellors of Justice and external bodies. It prioritizes adherence to democratic procedures and multi-stakeholder mechanisms, and calls, when necessary, for the Council of Elders to convene for an open debate. It demands the guarantee of proper parliamentary conduct rather than settling for reasonable compromises.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The discussion covered state-level topics, but an example was provided concerning the experience of the Tallinn City Council, illustrating the ethical issues surrounding the organization of voting. The primary focus remains the security and transparency of Estonian elections at the national level; the regional focus is treated more as a general case study. It is noted that examples are primarily drawn from the country's broader context.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Not enough data
9 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The text emphasizes voters' rights, confidentiality, and data protection, while simultaneously stressing that the risks associated with mobile voting could undermine both trust and transparency. This conveys a moral and civil liberties-focused viewpoint, centered on the democratic process and the protection of personal data.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main objective concerns Bill 344 SE and the amendments associated with it; it focuses on combating the bundling of amendments, ensuring their separate review, and fighting against the restriction of opposition rights. It mentions the explanatory memorandum, the Chancellor of Justice's comments, and the use of obstruction as a democratic tool; the emphasis is on guaranteeing procedural legal protection and transparency.
9 Speeches Analyzed