(1) Subject to the provisions of Rule 31 the Election Commission, for reasons to be recorded in writing, may by an order, cancel the election programme at any time, before the commencement of the poll, if :
(i) electors are threatened or prevented from exercising their franchise, in a free and fair manner.
(ii) Candidates are threatened or prevented directly or indirectly not to contest the elections.
(iii) there is any type of natural calamity ;
(iv) death of any contesting candidate takes place or any corrupt practice.
(v) on any reason beyond the control and adjustment and commence.
(2) In case death of any contesting candidate takes place and such information has been received by the Returning Officer before the commencement of poll and on being satisfied about the death of candidate, the Returning Officer shall counter-mend the poll of that constituency immediately under intimation to the Election Commission.
The Returning Officer shall commence the election process afresh provided no fresh nomination paper shall be entrained for the purpose of the election of said constituency.
(3) Whenever an election programme is cancelled in terms of the provisions of sub-rule (1), the Election Commission shall frame a fresh election programme in respect of that Sabha area or constituency.