The proposed law allows for electronic voting not only on computers but also through special applications for common operating systems on mobile devices. The election commission determines the technical conditions before each election. 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 is known for its digitization and e-government initiatives, with more than half of all votes being cast digitally in recent parliamentary elections. The Estonian Minister of Economy and IT, Tiit Riisal, stated that the new law aims to reflect the changing behavior of citizens, as daily digital activities have shifted from computers to smart devices.
In Estonia, citizens can conduct most of their activities online, earning the country the nickname “e-Estonia.” Despite the country’s success with digital voting, the practice 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.
In conclusion, the shift to mobile voting reflects Estonia’s commitment to embracing technological advancements and ensuring that citizens can participate in democracy through convenient and accessible means.