12.5. Recount

When the announcement of the total votes polled by a candidate is made, a candidate or his agent dissatisfied with the counting may, in writing, apply for recounting giving reasons why such recount is asked for. A recount may be demanded when the votes obtained by two candidates are very close and there may be a possibility of a small number of votes changing the result. The Returning Officer's decision on any such application is final.

No demand for a recount can be made after the Returning Officer has completed and signed the result sheet. The Supreme Court has held that there can never be any hard and fast rule as to the circumstances when an order of recount would be permissible and it should always be dependent upon the circumstances of the case.