Presidential Elections Act, 1993

Ascertainment of result of the election.

46.—(1) The presidential returning officer shall appoint a place at which he will ascertain the result of the voting at the election concerned and shall—

(a) at the place so appointed provide suitable accommodation and all necessary furniture and equipment,

(b) not less than 4 days (disregarding any excluded day) before the polling day, give written notice to each candidate of the time and place at which he will proceed to ascertain the result of the voting and of the number of agents that may be appointed to attend the proceedings on behalf of each candidate, and

(c) give the agents of the candidates all such reasonable facilities for overseeing the proceedings and all such information as is consistent with the orderly conduct of the proceedings and the performance of his duties.

(2) The presidential returning officer, his assistants and clerks, members of the Garda Síochána on duty, the candidates and the agents of the candidates duly appointed for the purpose under this Act may be present at the ascertainment of the result of the voting and no other person shall be present without the permission of the presidential returning officer.

(3) The presidential returning officer shall, so far as practicable, proceed continuously with the ascertainment of the result of the voting, except during time for refreshment and (except so far as he and the candidates otherwise agree) the period between 11 p.m. and 9 a.m.