16.—(1) The certificate of the Returning Officer under rule 11 shall be conclusive evidence of the facts stated in it unless in respect of the election of any person a written notice of protest signed by not less than twenty-five electors registered in that part of the register to which the election relates is received by the Returning Officer within twenty-eight days of that certificate being presented to the Council.
(2) A protest may be made on one or more of the following grounds—
(a)that the election of that person was not in accordance with the requirements of these Rules;
(b)that the election of that person was furthered by conduct which, if the election was regulated by the Representation of the People Act 1983(1), would be a corrupt practice by way of bribery, treating or undue influence under sections 113, 114 and 115 of that Act (bribery, treatment and undue influence); or
(c)that the person elected contravened the expenditure limit specified in rule 14 or failed to make a return of election expenses in accordance with rule 15.
(3) If any candidate who is appointed in accordance with rule 12 fails to submit a return of election expenses in accordance with rule 15, or if a return submitted under that rule indicates that expenditure has been incurred in excess of that authorised under rule 14, the Returning Officer shall make a report on the matter to the Council.