Indian Elections

Choose the Correct Answer

Correct Answer : Option a

Explanation
Statement 1 is correct: Voting rights for non-resident Indians (NRIs) were introduced in 2011 through an amendment to the Representation of the People Act, 1950. Before this, NRIs were not allowed to vote if they were residing outside India for more than six months. This amendment allowed NRIs to register as overseas electors, but they still had to cast their votes in person at the polling booths on voting day.

Statement 2 is incorrect: The Electronically Transmitted Postal Ballot System (ETPBS) and proxy voting are available only to service voters in India, such as those in the armed forces or diplomatic missions, not to NRIs. The ETPBS allows service voters to cast their votes electronically, but it does not apply to NRIs. Additionally, proxy voting is available only to service voters, not NRIs.

Statement 3 is incorrect: There is no provision that mandates NRIs who have stayed abroad for over two years to visit the polling booth in person. While NRIs must be physically present at the polling station to vote, the rules are based on the assumption that NRIs will be able to visit India for elections, but this does not depend on how long they have stayed abroad. The idea of proxy voting was explored but has not been implemented yet.