A ballot paper shall be invalid in any one or more of the following cases:-
(a) same preference is recorded against more than one name;
(b) numerical preference is so placed as to render it doubtful to which candidate it is · intended to apply;
(c) the numerical or such other figures are written opposite to the names in such a manner that it is not possibleto ascertain the intended preference of the elector;
(d) there is any mark or writing by which the elector can be identified.
35.
.
Counting of votes.-
(1) After rejectirlg the ballot papers which are invalid, the Returning Officer shall-
(a) count the maximum number of first preference votes. polled by a candidate, then count the muimum number of second preference votes polled by a candidate and ·SO on and arrange the name of candidates in that order;
(b) after such counting, the candidate having ?ed m?um number of first prefe_rencevotes shall be declared elected if the number of vacancy is one and in case of vaamcies being two, candidates having obtained maximum number of first and second preference votes shall be declared elected for the second vacancy.
(2) When at the end of counting, each of the contesting candidates has the same value of votes and no surplus remains capable of tre?L?, ?bP. 'R_?mu? ? shall decide by lot which of them shall be excl11:'.!?=! ? v?· ".mdidates, by drawing lots, the candidate srupl be cieciared elected:
Provided that the detailed procedureindicated in Part VU of the Conduct·ofBlection Rules, 1961 framed under the Representationof the People's Act, 1951 (43 of 1951). shall be followed for this purpose.
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