Section 23. Election of Chairman.

(1) Every person shall, unless disqualified under the provisions of this Act or any other law for time being inforce, as the Chairman of the Market Committee, be qualified to be elected by direct election by the persons qualified to vote for the election of representatives of agriculturists under Section 20, traders, commission agents and other market functionaries under Section 18: Provided that no person shall be eligible for election as Chairman unless he is qualified to be elected under Section 20. (2) Reservation of seats to election of the Chairman for scheduled castes, scheduled tribes, other backward classes and women will be as per the Government policy, as may be prescribed. (3) No person shall be eligible to contest election simultaneously for office of the Chairman and a Member. (4) If any delineated market area fails to elect a Chairman, fresh election proceedings shall be initiated to fill the office within six months: Provided further that pending the election of Chairman under this sub section, the officer authorized by the Director shall discharge all the functions of the Chairman.