Agenda Profile: Mart Maastik
Continuation of the first reading of the draft resolution (679 OE) of the Riigikogu, "Making a Proposal to the Government of the Republic to Urgently Develop the Suspension of E-voting"
2025-11-10
XV Riigikogu, VI Session, Plenary Sitting
Political Position
The political position strongly advocates for halting e-voting, stressing that the integrity of elections is fundamental to democracy. This stance is rooted in both values and policy, focusing intensely on the security risks inherent in IT systems and the downward trend in voter confidence. The speaker maintains that the system cannot be trusted until it is rendered completely secure.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates profound knowledge on the topic of e-voting security, specifically highlighting details from the 2016 Finnish working group, including the leader's name (Johanna Suurpää) and the group's conclusions concerning security risks. The presentation utilizes data and references to international observers (OSCE), alongside election results statistics (noting the drop in the number of e-voters during the European Parliament elections). It is stressed that Estonia is one of only three countries utilizing e-voting, with the others being Venezuela and Russia.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is formal, analytical, and concerned, focusing on logical appeals and facts rather than emotions. The speaker employs comparisons (the example of Finland) and references to media sources (Postimees) and experts to highlight the security deficiencies of e-voting. The tone is serious, stressing that undermining the reliability of elections poses a significant problem for democracy.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker actively participates in the continuation of the first reading of Riigikogu Bill (679 OE), asking questions of the rapporteur and then delivering a longer substantive speech. This demonstrates active involvement in the legislative process, especially in discussions concerning critical topics.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary criticism is aimed at the defenders of the e-voting system, who stand accused of ignoring security risks and eroding public confidence. This intense, politically charged criticism emphasizes that the system cannot be trusted because its flaws remain unaddressed, even following warnings issued by OSCE observers. They specifically push back against the argument that halting e-voting would mean going "back to the Stone Age."
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker approvingly references the previous speaker regarding the shortcomings in security checks, indicating similar viewpoints with colleagues on certain topics. Direct cooperation or a willingness to compromise with the system's defenders is not mentioned; instead, the emphasis is placed on the need to stop the system.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is both international and domestic, using Finland as the primary benchmark. It is highlighted that our northern neighbors are digitally advanced but abandoned e-voting due to security concerns. There is also mention of international interest and pressure to adopt e-voting, which is currently absent.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Insufficient data.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The social theme addressed is ensuring the fundamental principles of democracy and the reliability of elections, which is framed as an issue concerning society’s basic rights and security. It is emphasized that the security and trustworthiness of elections constitute the very foundation of democracy.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus centers on supporting the draft bill (679 OE) aimed at suspending e-voting, thereby ensuring the security and trustworthiness of the elections. The speaker is an active representative of the opposing side, seeking either to halt the current system or to render it completely secure.
2 Speeches Analyzed