Agenda Profile: Rain Epler
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 focus is heavily directed towards the reliability and comprehensibility of e-voting, adopting a critical stance toward the system. It is stressed that the electoral system must be simple and accessible to every citizen, regardless of their educational background, and consequently, the current complex system poses a threat to democracy. The argumentation is primarily value-based, centering on the principles of trust and democracy.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The expert assessment focuses on the conceptual analysis of the transparency and procedural comprehensibility of electoral systems. Arguments are presented regarding the system's complexity, which demands specialized education even from judges and voters, contrasting this with the simplicity of paper ballots. There are no technical details or statistics provided, but the necessity of reliability is stressed.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is analytical, serious, and conceptual, employing philosophical questions (such as the question of faith, or the trade-off between the slowness of democracy and convenience). Analogies are drawn (for example, the case of freedom of speech), and it is stressed that the system is comprehensible only to a small number of experts. The tone is critical and cautionary, highlighting the alarming nature of the protective framework surrounding the e-voting system.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
There is insufficient data.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
Strong opposition is directed at the ruling coalition and the competing coalition parties. The coalition is criticized for failing to adhere to laws and for implementing self-serving policies that have made life uncomfortable for the rest of the populace. Furthermore, they are accused of utilizing IT experts to justify an overly complex system, specifically to avoid substantive discussion.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
There is insufficient data.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is exclusively at the national level, addressing the e-voting system and the principles of democracy in Estonia.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Insufficient data.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
This addresses the social issue of accessibility and trust within the electoral process, stressing that the system must be comprehensible to all citizens. The text also raises the question of the value of democracy, arguing that it should not prioritize convenience if the goal is to ensure the overall well-being of society.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on the legal framework protecting e-elections, which is considered to hinder the resolution of issues and is described as "appalling." The speaker opposes the current framework and stresses the need for laws that would ensure the transparency and reliability of the electoral system.
2 Speeches Analyzed