Session Profile: Siim Pohlak

15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session

2024-05-09

Political Position
The political stance centers on strong opposition to the existing e-voting system, which is deemed procedurally unreliable. The speaker frames the issue of e-elections from a values-based perspective, drawing direct and critical parallels with Russian e-voting practices. The core criticism is that the argument of convenience overshadows the system's dramatic, result-altering deficiencies.

2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge of e-voting procedures and historical cases, highlighting specific examples from both Estonia (a dramatic shift in results) and Russia (votes held up for 16 hours). Furthermore, they are familiar with the role and procedural involvement of international institutions, such as the Venice Commission, in electoral matters.

2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is questioning, skeptical, and combative, employing strong comparisons (Estonia vs. Russia) to intensify the criticism. The speaker uses rhetorical questions ("Why is this being hushed up?") to draw attention to the government's alleged inaction and the media's silence.

2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Data is scarce.

2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary criticism is aimed at the governing coalition, particularly the Reform Party, which is accused of ignoring issues related to e-elections and suppressing parallels drawn with Russia. The criticism is both intense and procedural, implying that the government fails to recognize a problem that is clearly evident.

2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker shows conditional openness to cooperation, inquiring whether the coalition parties might also be motivated to seek a joint assessment from the Venice Commission. The interest in cooperation is directed toward solving a specific procedural problem by means of an external expert evaluation.

2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The regional focus is both national (Estonia’s e-voting system) and international, drawing comparisons with Russian practices and referencing European institutions (the Venice Commission) for external evaluation.

2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Data is scarce.

2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Data is scarce.

2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is aimed at challenging the legislation and procedures governing e-elections. The speaker is acting as an opponent of the existing system and is initiating a procedural inquiry, with a focus on the possibility of involving the Venice Commission.

2 Speeches Analyzed