(1) After the completion of the counting and recording in Form 22 the total number of votes polled by each Candidate under sub-rule (2) of Rule 64, the Returning Officer shall announce the same. After such announcement and before the declaration of the result of the election, a contesting Candidate or in his absence his election Agent, may apply in writing to the Returning Officer for a re-count of all or any of the votes already counted stating the grounds on which he demands such re-count.
(2) 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 in toto if it appears to him to be frivolous or unreasonable.
(3) Every decision of the Returning Officer under sub-rule (2) shall be in writing and contain the reasons therefore.
(4) If the Returning Officer decides under sub-rule (2) to allow an application either in whole or in part, he shall-
(a) count the votes again in accordance with his decision;
(b) amend the result sheet in Form 22 to the extent necessary after such re-count; and
(c) announce the amendments so made by him.
(5) After the total number of votes polled by each Candidate has been announced under sub-rule (1) or under sub-rule (4) of this Rule, the Returning Officer shall complete and sign the result sheet in Form 22 and no application for a re-count shall be entertained thereafter:
Provided that no step under this sub-rule shall be taken on the completion of the counting until the Candidates or the election Agents present at the completion thereof have been given a reasonable opportunity to exercise the right conferred by sub-rule (1).