Counting of Votes

After verification of ballots is completed and all ballot boxes of a polling district/constituency have arrived, counting begins. Each ballot paper is unfolded to reveal the voter's mark identifying his/her candidate choice. The ballot is deposited into the receptacle marked with the name of a party which the chosen candidate belongs to or the independent candidate’s receptacle. When the intention of the voter is clear, the vote is valid and will be counted. Ballot papers in which the intention is not clear will be rejected.

For purposes of control and management of the process admission into counting centres to witness, counting of votes is limited to candidates and their spouses, election agents and counting agents assigned by the candidates, returning offices and assistant returning officers, and accredited observers and media.  Admission of counting agents is by letter of appointment signed by the candidate contesting elections in the polling district/constituency. Admission of any person other than those mentioned in the law (section 69 (2)) remains the discretion of the Returning Officer. 

If the counting of the votes results in the same number of votes for each candidate in a constituency, a fresh election will be held in that constituency.

At the conclusion of the counting of the votes the Returning Officer will declare the result of the poll aloud at the place of counting.