The Representation of The People Act, 1951
- If, after the counting of the votes is completed, an equality of votes is found to exist between any candidates, and the addition of one vote will entitle any of those candidates to be declared elected, the returning officer shall forthwith decide between those candidates by lot, and proceed as if the candidate on whom the lot falls had received an additional vote.
Interpretation – by lot or by lottery – decided by the Returning Officer.
By lot – means – randomly chosen between the available options – the use of lots as a means of deciding something (Merriam Webster) – the use of lots in making a selection or choice (esp in the phrase by lot) (Collins)
Lot – means – an object used as a counter in determining a question by chance (Merriam Webster) – any object, such as a straw or slip of paper, drawn from others at random to make a selection or choice (esp in the phrase draw or cast lots) (Collins)
