Conduct of Assembly elections etc
16.—(1) The proceedings at Assembly elections and return of Assembly members shall be conducted in accordance with Schedule 5.
(2) In addition to the functions otherwise conferred or imposed on a constituency or regional returning officer at an Assembly election it is the general duty of such an officer to do all such acts as may be necessary for effectively conducting the election in the manner provided by Schedule 5.
(3) No Assembly election shall be declared invalid by reason of any act or omission by such a returning officer or any other person in breach of his official duty in connection with the election or otherwise of Schedule 5 if it appears to the election court having cognizance of the question that—
(a)the election was so conducted as to be substantially in accordance with the law as to Assembly elections, and
(b)the act or omission did not affect the result.