Agenda Profile: Evelin Poolamets
Second Reading of the Draft Act (344 SE) on the Amendment of the Riigikogu Election Act and Related Amendment of Other Acts
2024-04-17
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary sitting
Political Position
The political position is strongly opposed to the current e-voting system, emphasizing its lack of transparency, verifiability, and trustworthiness. The primary demand is that the system be changed to allow for end-to-end auditability, thereby guaranteeing the authenticity and reliability of the election results. Criticism is also aimed at the fact that the system appears to disproportionately favor the Reform Party. The framework itself is strongly value-based, focusing on ensuring the integrity and security of the elections.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates profound expertise in the technical and legal aspects of e-voting, utilizing specific terminology (e.g., malware, end-to-end verifiability, cryptography, system architecture). The presentation relies on analyses from researchers and statistical data (e.g., the voting speed of a 104-year-old woman) to illustrate the system's vulnerabilities and anomalies. A detailed description of potential fraud mechanisms is provided, indicating a thorough understanding of the system's internal operations.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is sharp, critical, and accusatory, highlighting the flaws and dangers inherent in the e-voting system. It employs both logical arguments (referencing technical details and studies) and emotional, dramatic expressions, such as "a great stain of shame" and "johhaidii!". The tone remains formal, yet profoundly suspicious, focusing heavily on the lack of credibility and the concealment practiced by the system administrators.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is active during the Riigikogu session, posing technical questions to the rapporteur and delivering long, detailed critical speeches during the second reading of the draft bill (344 SE). The pace of their delivery suggests thorough preparation and a clear intent to present their position at length and comprehensively.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opposition is directed at the administrators of the e-voting system (the National Electoral Committee, RIA) and the Reform Party, which is considered the system's biggest beneficiary. The criticism is both procedural (the hiding of logs, lack of oversight) and systemic, suggesting the administrators wish to maintain extensive control and conceal technical failures. No willingness to compromise has been expressed; instead, radical changes are being demanded.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
No data available.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is at the national level, addressing the integrity and technical architecture of the Estonian electoral system. Estonian citizens residing abroad are also mentioned as a group that could potentially be exploited for the purpose of election fraud.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
No data available
4 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The text addresses the issue of election uniformity, pointing out that technical requirements (such as specific operating system versions) may unfairly prevent voters from casting their ballots. Furthermore, statistical anomalies related to the e-voting participation of the elderly (those over 94) are highlighted, suggesting potential manipulation.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main legislative focus, within the framework of the draft bill amending the Riigikogu Election Act (344 SE), is improving the transparency and verifiability of the e-voting system. The speaker is critical of the current system and demands the implementation of end-to-end verifiability, as well as the public disclosure of the lists of those who have voted. Furthermore, the need to ensure that the ban on election campaigning also applies within the e-voting environment is emphasized.
4 Speeches Analyzed