(1) When the counting of the vote* ha.> been* completed.'the Returning Offi cer~sh a H~ forthwith" declare" tTlfe candtdate or candidates to whom the largest number of valid votes has been given to be duly elected according to the number oi vacancies to be tilled in and shall forthwith inform each successful candidate by letter of being elected to the Council.
(2) If there is an equality of votes between any two or more candi dates. the Returning Officer, shall after notice to the candidates concerned, decide by drawing lots which candidate or candidates he si; ’ ’ declare to have been elected.
19. Voting papers to be retained lor six months upon the completion oi the counting and after the result has been declared by him. the Returning Officer shall seal up the voting papers* and all other documents relating to the election and shall retain the same ‘or a period of six months and the Council shall not destroy oi cause to he destroyed the records even after six months without the prev ious concurrence of the Government.
20 Publication oi results.— (1) The Returning Officer shall publish the result and date oi the election in (lie Madhya Pradesh Gazette in the case of first election to the Council and al>o send a report to the Govern ment about the election.
(2) In the case of election other than those held tor the first time under the Act. the Returning Officer shall inform the President of the result and date of the election, who shall (hen publish the same in the Madhya Pradesh Gazette. The Returning Officer shall also send a report to the Government about the election.