Definition
49. Any ballot paper-
of void Ballot papers.
(4)
which does not bear the official mark; or
(b)
on which votes are given for more candidates than the elector is entitled to vote for; or
Endorse. ment od void ballot papera.
(c) on which anything is written or marked by which the elector can be identified except the printed number on the back; or
(d) which is unmarked or void for uncertainty;
shall not be torn across the perforations or counted in accordancrea with regulation 48:
Provided that where the elector is entitled to vote for more than one candidate, the ballot paper shall not be deemed to be void as regards any vote as to which no uncertainty arises, and that vote shall be counted.
50. (1) The returning officer shall endorse-
(a) the word "rejected" on any ballot paper which under
regulation 49 is not to be counted; and
(b) in the case of a ballot paper on which any vote is counted under the proviso to that regulation, the words "rejected in part" and memorandum specifying the votes counted.
a
(2) The returning officer shall, in either case, add to the endorsement the words "rejection objected to", if an objection is made by any counting agent to his decision.
(3) The returning officer shall draw up a statement showing the mumber of ballot papers rejected, including those rejected in part, under the several heads of...
(a) want of official mark;
(b) voting for more candidates than entitled to;
(c) writing or mark by which the elector could be identified; (d) unmarked or wholly void for uncertainty;
(e) rejected in part,
and shall, on request, allow any candidate or election agent to copy the statement.
51. The decision of the returning officer as to any question Returning arising in respect of any ballot paper shall be final, but shall be officer's
puthority subject to review on an election petition questioning the election. in regard
to ballot paper.
52. (1) Where an equality of vores is found to exist, and Procedure still exists after the tendered votes have been counted in accordance on equality
of votes, with regulation 36 and the addition of a vole would entitle any candidate to be declared elected, the returning officer shall thereupon declare the election to be void so far as it relates to such candidates as have received equal votes :
Provided that upon the application of any candidate or his counting agent, a recount shall be made before the returning officer makes the declaration.
(2) When an election has been declared void so far as it relates to such candidates, the returning officer, within ten days of making such declaration shall publish a notice of extra- ordinary election in accordance with Form a of the Appendix and Form 2. shall proceed to hold an extraordinary election to fill such vacancies as remain unfilled as a result of such declaration.
53. (1) Subject to the provisions of these regulations to the Declaration contrary when the result of the pull has been ascertained, the of result. returning officer shall forthwith declare to be elected the candidate or candidates to whom the majority of votes have been given :
Provided that upon the application of any candidate or his counting agent, a recount shall be made before the returning officer makes the declaration.
(2) The returning officer shall prepare five copies of a notice of result of election completed in accordance with Form 19 of Farm 19. the Appendix and-
() for with forward one copy to the Governor;
(b) forthwith forward one copy to the Chairman ;
(c) forthwith affix one copy to the outside of the outside
door of the place where the count took place:
(d) cause one copy to be published in the Gazette within
ten days of the day when the count was completed:
(e) retain one copy and place it with the voting papers as
directed in regulation 54.