Q1. In which year was the number of proposers for Presidential and Vice-Presidential elections increased?
- 1996
- 1997
- 1998
- 2003
Correct Option: 2. 1997.
Explanation: In 1997, to discourage non-serious candidates, the number of proposers and seconders was increased to 50 for the President and 20 for the Vice-President, and the security deposit was increased to ₹15,000.
Q2. Which category of voters was allowed to vote through proxy as per the 2003 reforms?
- Service voters under the Army Act
- Overseas Indians
- Prisoners under trial
- Senior citizens
Correct Option: 1. Service voters under the Army Act.
Explanation: In 2003, proxy voting was allowed for service voters belonging to the Armed Forces and forces governed by the Army Act, enabling them to appoint a proxy to vote on their behalf.
Q3. What key change was made to Rajya Sabha elections in 2003 to reduce cross-voting?
- Use of EVMs
- Online voting
- Open ballot system
- Postal ballot voting
Correct Option: 3. Open ballot system.
Explanation: To combat cross-voting and money power, the secret ballot was replaced by an open ballot system for Rajya Sabha elections, where party-affiliated MLAs must show their vote to an authorized agent.
Q4. Which of the following was removed as a requirement for contesting Rajya Sabha elections in 2003?
- Minimum age
- Criminal record clearance
- Domicile/residency in the state
- Educational qualification
Correct Option: 3. Domicile/residency in the state.
Explanation: Prior to 2003, a candidate had to be an elector of the state from which they were contesting. This requirement was removed, allowing any Indian elector to contest from any state.
Q5. What key information must a candidate disclose in the affidavit introduced in 2003?
- Income tax returns
- Only educational qualifications
- Only criminal record
- Criminal record, assets, liabilities, and education
Correct Option: 4. Criminal record, assets, liabilities, and education.
Explanation: The 2003 reforms made it mandatory for candidates to disclose their criminal background, assets, liabilities, and educational qualifications in a sworn affidavit at the time of nomination.