Section 20 in Andhra Pradesh Municipal Corporations (Conduct of Election of Members, Election Expenses and Election Petitions) Rules, 2005
20. Ballot Boxes to be locked and sealed before the commencement of poll.
(1)Every ballot box shall be of such design and colour as have been previously approved of by the State Election Commission. It shall be so constructed that ballot papers can be inserted therein but cannot be withdrawn there from without the box being unlocked and the seals being broken.(2)The Presiding Officer at each polling station, shall, immediately before the commencement of poll, allow the candidates, their election agents and their polling agents who may be present at such station to inspect each ballot box to be used at the poll and demonstrate to them that it is empty and bears the labels both inside and outside marked with,(a)the serial number, if any, and name of the Ward;(b)the serial number and name of the polling station;(c)the serial number of the ballot box (to be filled in at the end of the poll on the label outside the ballot box only); and(d)the date of poll.(3)When it is necessary to use a paper seal for securing the ballot box, the Presiding Officer shall fix in the space meant there for in each such box a paper seal provided for the purpose. He shall also affix on such paper seal his own signature or seal of such candidates or of such election or polling agents of the candidates as may be present and may desire to affix such signature or seals. He shall then secure and seal each box in their presence in such manner that the slit in the box for insertion of ballot papers therein remains open.(4)Where it is not necessary to use a paper seal for securing the ballot box, the Presiding Officer shall after complying with the provisions of sub-rule (2), secure and seal the box in such manner that the slit in the box for insertion of ballot papers therein remains open and shall also allow the candidates or their election or polling agents, who may be present affix their own seals on the space in the box meant there for if they so desire.(5)The paper seal or the other seals used for securing a ballot box shall be affixed in such a manner that after the box has been closed, sealed and secured, then they shall be placed in full view of the Presiding Officer and the agents referred to in sub-rule(2).
