(1) At every election where a poll is taken, each 1[ contesting candidate] at such election and his election agent shall have a right to be present at any polling station provided under section 25 for the taking of the poll or at the place fixed under sub- section (1) of section 29 for the poll.

(2) A 1[ contesting candidate] or his election agent may himself do any act or thing which any polling agent or the counting agent of such 1[ contesting candidate] if appointed, would have been authorized by or under this Act to do, or may assist any polling, agent or the counting agent of such 1[ contesting candidate] in doing any such act or thing.