Agenda Profile: Anti Poolamets
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 position is highly critical regarding the legitimacy and security of the elections. Emphasis is placed on both technical threats (insider problems, viruses) and corruption (vote buying), which have already eroded the credibility of the electoral system. The stance is strongly opposed to the current electoral arrangement, stressing the system's failure and the loss of value-based legitimacy.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge of e-voting security risks, referencing international experts (e.g., US computer expert Barbara Simons) and specific terminology like the "insider problem." They also possess detailed knowledge of local electoral fraud (vote buying) and its impact on legitimacy, citing specific examples and assessments.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is critical and cautionary, highlighting the erosion of electoral legitimacy and systemic threats. It employs both logical arguments (referencing US experts) and emotional, real-life examples (such as vote buying in Rakvere). Sharp and condemnatory language is directed at law enforcement agencies ("sluggish and lazy attitude").
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The information is limited to two speeches given at the Riigikogu session on March 20, 2024, concerning the draft legislation for amending electoral laws. Earlier contact with law enforcement agencies regarding vote-buying cases is mentioned, which suggests activity outside of parliamentary sessions.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main targets of criticism are the election system administrators (potential insiders) and especially law enforcement agencies. Law enforcement agencies are accused of sluggishness and laziness because they have failed to identify or prove hundreds of crimes related to vote buying, which has undermined legitimacy.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Reference is made to cooperation with other political parties, noting that "several parties" have contacted law enforcement regarding the issue of vote buying. This demonstrates a willingness to coordinate efforts with other political forces to address specific problems.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The primary focus is on national election legitimacy and international expert opinions. A specific regional example from Rakvere is used to illustrate the problem of vote buying and its severe distortion in a small community.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
There is not enough data.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Social trust and justice are examined, emphasizing that the lazy and sluggish investigation by law enforcement agencies into hundreds of crimes (vote buying) erodes legitimacy. This issue is framed as a serious threat to democratic trust.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on the draft bill (292 SE) amending election laws, within the context of which the speaker is a strong opponent of the current system. Emphasis is placed on the need to improve the security of e-voting and to demand more proactive engagement from law enforcement agencies in investigating election crimes.
2 Speeches Analyzed