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.
The proposed law allows for electronic voting not only on computers but also through special applications for common operating systems on mobile devices. This expansion aims to make e-voting accessible to everyone on modern platforms. However, the practice remains controversial internationally due to concerns about its reliability. 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.
