Agenda Profile: Vadim Belobrovtsev
Draft Resolution of the Riigikogu "Making a Proposal to the Government of the Republic to Urgently Develop the Suspension of E-voting" (679 OE), First Reading
2025-11-06
XV Riigikogu, VI Session, Plenary Sitting
Political Position
The political position centers on strong opposition to the current e-voting system, demanding its immediate suspension until the deficiencies highlighted in the ODIHR report have been rectified. This stance is driven by the necessity of guaranteeing constitutional electoral principles (secrecy, uniformity) and addressing the decline in public trust. The speaker presents the suspension as a constructive step, distinguishing it from the complete abolition of the system.
14 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates thorough knowledge of the technical and legal aspects of e-voting, repeatedly referencing the OSCE/ODIHR report and its critical conclusions. Specific terminology is employed (source code, auditing requirement), and examples from international practice are provided, noting that Estonia is in an "interesting club" regarding the regular use of e-voting, alongside Russia and Venezuela. Statistics on the decline of trust in e-elections are also cited (42% do not trust).
14 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is formal, yet critical and concerned, emphasizing the lack of reliability in e-voting and the opacity of the process. The speaker relies heavily on logical arguments, referencing international expert opinions and procedural inconsistencies, while simultaneously employing rhetorical questions and hypothetical examples (such as voting in nursing homes) to amplify doubts. He uses sharp language, implying that the experts are either "playing dumb" or are incompetent.
14 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is an active champion of the e-voting issue in the Riigikogu, noting that the Centre Party (Keskerakond) and EKRE have been pushing this topic for years. The current activity involves submitting and defending a draft resolution in the Riigikogu chamber, referencing earlier discussions regarding voting via smart devices and facial recognition.
14 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are the government (the Government of the Republic), the coalition, and the institutions responsible for e-elections (the Electoral Commission and experts). Criticism is leveled at procedural shortcomings, such as the rapid destruction of ballots and the avoidance of involving auditors, as well as the political culture where the coalition rejects opposition initiatives purely for political reasons, rather than based on their substance. The speaker accuses the opposing side of evading answers and lacking transparency.
14 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker emphasized cooperation with EKRE in driving the e-voting issue and presented the proposal to suspend e-voting as a constructive compromise, rather than outright cancellation. He sharply criticized Estonia’s parliamentary culture, where the coalition fails to support opposition initiatives, even when they are sound and reasonable. He noted that the opposition has supported the coalition’s draft legislation, but reciprocal support is entirely absent.
14 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is primarily on the national electoral system and international comparison (ODIHR, other countries). Regional reference is included only as an example of an anomaly in election results in electoral district No. 1 (Põhja-Tallinn, Haabersti, Kristiine), where the ratio of e-votes to paper votes for Reform Party candidates was unusually high.
14 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Not enough data
14 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
From a social perspective, the need is stressed to ensure the confidentiality and privacy of voting for individuals casting ballots in nursing homes or groups, environments where guaranteeing individual choice is difficult. Furthermore, examples are cited regarding the potential for undue influence between the elderly and their relatives during electronic voting.
14 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary legislative focus is currently on a draft resolution aimed at immediately suspending e-voting until all system flaws have been rectified. The speaker, acting as the initiator, emphasizes the necessity of clarifying the legal criteria under which the National Electoral Committee is authorized to suspend, interrupt, or cancel an e-vote. Furthermore, he/she mentions the need to implement technical measures, such as facial recognition, specifically to boost public trust.
14 Speeches Analyzed