If election results are declared based on rumours, which principle will be violated?
Correct answer: A, rule-based and official counting. Election results must be prepared from the votes actually recorded and counted by authorised election officials according to prescribed rules. A rumour is unverified information; it cannot show how many valid votes each candidate received. The correct process is: votes are securely handled, counted through the authorised procedure, checked where required, and then the competent authority officially declares the result. A is correct because it describes this lawful process. B is wrong because campaigning happens before voting and does not itself declare the result. C is wrong because voter education helps people understand voting, but it is not the method of counting. D is wrong because a symbol helps voters identify a candidate or party; it does not determine the result. Memory cue: “Votes decide; verified counting declares.”