Agenda Profile: Arvo Aller
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 political stance is highly critical of the current internet voting system, highlighting its inherent cybersecurity risks and the potential for foreign interference (such as from Russia). This position stems from doubts cast upon the system's reliability and the legitimacy of election results, often referencing the Reform Party's long-running series of victories. Essentially, this is a framework driven primarily by security concerns and election outcomes.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise regarding the technical details of e-voting, particularly concerning inadequate identity authentication and cybersecurity risks. They are aware that the machine only verifies the validity of ID card or mobile-ID certificates, not the actual identity of the user. Furthermore, international practice is referenced, noting countries that have abandoned internet voting due to cyber issues.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is formal and interrogative, utilizing rhetorical questions (e.g., "Could this be pleasing to a neighboring state?") to underscore cyber threats and the legitimacy of election results. The tone is skeptical and concerned, combining a logical discussion of technical flaws with a strong appeal regarding national security. The speaker uses hypothetical scenarios and draws parallels with cyberattacks on government agency websites to present their arguments.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Insufficient Data
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are the rapporteur, who is accused of being unfamiliar with the explanatory memorandum, and the electoral commission, whose decision not to abolish e-voting is considered unfounded. Criticism is directed both at procedural shortcomings and at the political decision, which ignores security risks and the resentment of commission members. Furthermore, there are hints that the e-voting system favors the Reform Party.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Insufficient data.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on national election legislation and cybersecurity, emphasizing the international threat posed by a malicious state, such as Russia. Local or regional topics are absent.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Insufficient data.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social issue under discussion is the reliability of the electoral process and the security of democracy. The speaker stresses the necessity of guaranteeing citizen safety and the legitimacy of election outcomes, proposing stronger identity verification (e.g., through facial recognition) as a solution.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on the draft amendment (Bill 292 SE) to the Riigikogu Election Act, the Local Government Council Election Act, and the European Parliament Election Act. The speaker is a strong opponent of the current form of e-voting, demanding stricter identity verification requirements or the abolition of the system to ensure cybersecurity.
2 Speeches Analyzed