Returning Officer
Also called: RO · Topic: Elections and the Electoral System · NCERT: Class 9, Ch 7 "Elections"
Meaning
The Returning Officer (RO) is the official who conducts the election in one constituency. The RO:
- receives nominations and checks them at scrutiny (the checking of nomination papers);
- runs the poll and the counting of votes;
- declares the winner.
If a candidate asks for a recount under Rule 63, the RO decides on it. The RO is the key legal authority for each seat's election.
Example
In a Lok Sabha constituency, candidates file their nomination papers with the RO, and scrutiny takes place the day after nominations close. On counting day, the RO counts the postal ballots first, then the EVMs round by round, then the VVPAT slips, and then declares the result.
Don't confuse with
- Presiding Officer: runs a single polling station. The RO runs the election for the whole constituency.
- District Election Officer: supervises election work across a district, which may cover several constituencies.
Related concepts
- Mohinder Singh Gill case
- Gujarat election reference
- Chief Electoral Officer
- District Election Officer
- Presiding Officer
- Election observers