(1) If on preparing the list under rule 16 or after deleting the names under rule 18 the Returning Officer finds that the number of nominated candidates therein does not exceed the number of seats he shall forthwith declare all such candidates to be duly elected.
(2) If the number of candidates declared elected under sub-rule
(1) falls short of the number of seats to be filled, the Returning Officer shall report the number of vacancies to the State Government which shall commence proceedings anew for election to the vacant seats.
20. Except where action is taken under rule 19, the Returning Officer shall publish in the official Gazette the list of valid nominations as prepared under rule 16 and amended under rule 18 and shall also cause a copy thereof to lie posted in his office.
21. If a candidate who has been duly nominated dies after the close of scrutiny of nominations and a report of his death is received by the Returning Officer before the issue of ballot papers under rule 22 the Returning Officer shall, upon being satisfied of the fact of the death, countermand the poll and al proceedings with reference to election shall be commenced anew in all respects as if for a new election :
Provided that no further nomination shall be necessary in the case of a candidate whose nomination was valid at the time of the countermanding of the poll.
Provided further that no person who has given notice of withdrawal of his candidature under rule 17 before the countermanding of the poll shall be ineligible for being nominated as a candidate for the election after such countermanding.
VOTING