Section 34 in Andhra Pradesh Municipal Corporations (Conduct of Election of Members, Election Expenses and Election Petitions) Rules, 2005
34. Delivery of Ballot Boxes to the Returning Officer after the close of the Poll.
(1)The Presiding Officer of each polling station shall, as soon as practicable after the close of the poll, in the presence of any candidates or their election or polling agents who may be present, close the slit for insertion of ballot papers of each ballot box, or where the box does not contain any mechanical devise for closing the slit, seal up the slit, and seal and secure all the ballot boxes used at the polling station. The Presiding Officer shall allow the candidates or their election agents and their polling agents present at the polling station to fix their seals on the slit of the ballot box or boxes.(2)After sealing and securing the ballot box or boxes in accordance with the provisions of sub-rule (1), the Presiding Officer shall cause each such ballot box wrapped with new cloth which shall be sealed on the seams with his seal and also with the seals of any candidates or their election or polling agents who may be present and desire to affix their seals thereon. He shall also put his signature, and allow those candidates or their election or polling agents who may be present and desire to do so, to put their signature on a piece of paper which shall be properly pasted on the cloth in which each such ballot box has been wrapped.(3)(i)The Presiding Officer shall also make up into separate packets:-(a)the unused ballot paper (i.e., those with the signature of the Presiding Officer and without the signature of the Presiding Officer);(b)Counterfoils of the used ballot papers;(c)the covers containing the tendered ballot papers;(d)the returned ballot paper (i.e., those cancelled under Rule 30 and for violation of voting procedure under rule 24);(e)the marked copy of the electoral roll;(f)the cover containing the tendered ballot papers and the list in Form XIX;(g)the list of challenged votes; and(h)any other papers directed by the Returning Officer to be kept in a sealed packet.(i)Each such packet shall be sealed with the seal of the Presiding Officer and also of such candidates or their election or polling agents as may be present and may desire to affix their seals thereon. He shall as soon as practicable deliver the ballot box or boxes and all such packets and all other papers used at the poll or cause them to be delivered to the Returning Officer at such place as the Returning Officer may direct, subject to any general or special instructions issued in this behalf by the Commissioner.
