(1) After the preparation of the result sheet as per rule 66, the returning officer shall announce the total number of votes polled by each candidate.
(2) After such announcement has been made the candidate or [in his absence his election agent] may apply in writing to the returning officer to recount the votes either wholly or in part stating the grounds on which he demands such recounting.
(3) On such application being made the returning officer shall decide the matter and may allow the application in whole or in part or may reject it into, if it appears to him to be frivolous and unreasonable.
(4) Every decision of the returning officer under sub-rule (3) shall be in writing and containing the reasons therefor.
(5) If the returning officer decides under sub-rule (3) to allow the recounting of votes either wholly or in part he shall do recounting according to rule [64] and amend the result sheet to the extent necessary after such recounting and announce the amendment so made by him.
(6) After the total number of votes polled by each candidate has been announced under subrule (1) or under sub-rule (5) in case a recount has been ordered under sub-rule (3), returning officer shall complete and sign the result sheet and no application for recounting shall be entertained thereafter :
Provided that no step under this sub-rule shall be taken on the completion of the counting until the candidates and election agents present at the completion thereof have been given a reasonable opportunity to exercise their right conferred by sub- rule (2).