When the counting of the votes has been completed, the returning
officer 1[shall, in the absence of any direction by the Election Commission to the contrary, forthwith
declare] the result of the election in the manner provided by this Act or the rules made thereunder.
1. Subs. by Act 47 of 1966, s. 35, for "shall forthwith declare" (w.e.f. 14-12-1966).