The proposed law in Estonia allows for electronic voting not only on computers but also through special applications for common operating systems on mobile devices. This new initiative is aimed at making e-voting more accessible and convenient for citizens. However, the election commission determines the technical conditions before each election, and the new law is expected to go into effect in October, meaning that voting by mobile phone will not be an option in the upcoming elections for the European Parliament in June.
Estonia was the first country in Europe to enable online voting in political elections in 2005. The country’s success with digital voting has earned it the nickname “e-Estonia,” reflecting its commitment to digitization and e-government initiatives. More than half of all votes were cast digitally in recent parliamentary elections, demonstrating Estonia’s dedication to making e-voting accessible and convenient for citizens.
However, despite its successes, e-voting remains controversial internationally due to concerns about its reliability. The new law expanding electronic voting to mobile devices aims to make e-Estonia accessible to everyone on modern platforms while addressing these concerns. The Estonian Minister of Economy and IT, Tiit Riisal, stated that the new law reflects the changing behavior of citizens, as daily digital activities have shifted from computers to smart devices.
In conclusion, Estonia’s shift towards mobile voting reflects its commitment to embracing technological advancements and ensuring that citizens can participate in democracy through convenient and accessible means. While there are still concerns about the reliability of e-voting, this new initiative is a step towards making it more widely available and inclusive.
