Short Answer

The election proceedings in a cooperative society are presided over by the Presiding Officer appointed by the Registrar. The Presiding Officer is responsible for conducting the election process and counting the votes.

Detailed Explanation

Section 73 of the Gujarat Cooperative Societies Act, 1961 empowers the Registrar to appoint a Presiding Officer for conducting the election proceedings in a cooperative society. The Presiding Officer plays a crucial role in ensuring the election is conducted fairly and transparently. They oversee the entire election process, including verifying the eligibility of candidates, conducting the voting process, and counting the votes.

In practice, the Presiding Officer ensures that the election is conducted in accordance with the provisions of the Act and Rules. They maintain order during the voting process, ensure that only eligible members cast their votes, and oversee the counting of votes to determine the winners. The Presiding Officer's role is vital in upholding the democratic principles of the cooperative society and ensuring a smooth election process.

Real-world Scenarios

• In a cooperative housing society, the Presiding Officer appointed by the Registrar conducts the election for the Managing Committee. They verify the nominations, conduct the voting process, and announce the results.

• In a farmers' cooperative society, the Presiding Officer oversees the election for the Board of Directors. They ensure that all members have the opportunity to vote and that the counting of votes is done accurately.

• In a credit cooperative society, the Presiding Officer plays a key role in maintaining the integrity of the election process and resolving any disputes that may arise during the voting or counting of votes.

Reference

• Section 73 of the Gujarat Cooperative Societies Act, 1961: Official PDF