Scrutiny and Counting

(a) The scrutiny and counting of votes shall be undertaken by the Returning Officer at the time, day and place appointed under rule 5(4). (b) A candidate and not more than one representative, duly authorised by him, may remain present at the time of counting of votes. (c) The whole ballot paper shall be treated as invalid: (i) if the elector has failed to write his full name and make his signature on the larger cover in which the smaller cover containing the ballot paper is kept; (ii) if the mark (x) is placed opposite the names of more candidates than the number of seats to be filled, or if more votes are given than he is entitled to under 5(18)(a); (iii) if the elector has put his signature on the ballot paper and has made any other mark thereon which may reveal his identity. (iv) If the Returning officer receives more than one ballot paper from the one smaller cover or more than one smaller cover in any larger cover, all such ballot papers shall be treated as invalid. (v) the original ballot paper where the duplicate ballot paper has been issued. (d) if the mark (x) is so placed as to make it doubtful as to whom the candidate (the elector) has given his vote the vote shall be deemed to be invalid.