Agenda Profile: Siim Pohlak
Debate on the matter of significant national importance: "E-elections – a threat to democracy."
2024-05-09
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session
Political Position
The political position centers on strong opposition to e-elections, which are viewed as a threat to democracy. This stance is value-based, emphasizing the similarities between e-voting and Russian practices, where arguments of convenience mask the dramatic manipulation of results in favor of the ruling party. The speaker demands that the government and the media acknowledge the problem, particularly in light of the Russian parallels.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge of the procedural issues surrounding e-voting, citing specific examples (such as the 16-hour delay in releasing votes and the dramatic shift in results). They are well-versed in the work of international legal bodies, like the Venice Commission, and actively research the topic using materials available online.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is critical and skeptical, employing a strong comparison with Russia to emphasize the dangers of e-voting. Rhetorical questions are utilized (e.g., concerning the media's silence), along with an official yet demanding tone, while simultaneously seeking procedural clarity regarding the appeal to the Venice Commission.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker actively participates in the Riigikogu debate concerning a significant national issue, posing questions to the presenter. This pattern of activity is characterized by preparation, which involves researching materials available on the internet either before or during the discussion.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary opposition is directed at the government and the Reform Party, who are being criticized for ignoring the problems associated with e-voting and for hushing up the parallels with Russia. The criticism is intense and substantive, focusing on the procedural unreliability of the e-elections and their impact on democracy.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of cooperation is cautiously exploratory and procedural. The speaker asks whether the coalition parties might also be motivated to seek feedback on e-elections from the Venice Commission, pointing to a potential, yet doubtful openness to a cross-party procedural step.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is at the national level (Estonian e-elections), but it is strongly linked to the international context. Russia’s e-voting practices are used as a negative point of comparison, and reference is made to the European legal body, the Venice Commission, to obtain external assessments.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Not enough data
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Not enough data
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus centers on challenging the e-voting system and scrutinizing its legitimacy. A key priority involves clarifying the procedure for addressing the Venice Commission and securing its opinion on the e-elections.
2 Speeches Analyzed