Procedure for hearing protest or contest; notice of decision

(A) The executive committee shall hear the protest or contest within two weeks of the deadline for filing the same. Testimony at the hearing shall be limited to the grounds stated in the written protest. (B) The protestant and each other candidate in the protested race shall have the right to be present at the hearing, to be represented by counsel, to examine and cross-examine witnesses and to produce evidence relevant to the grounds of the protest. The chairman of the committee shall provide for and conduct the hearing as nearly as possible in accordance with the procedures and rules of evidence observed by the circuit courts of this State. The chairman shall have authority to administer oaths and subpoena witnesses. Upon the conclusion of the hearing of the protest the committee shall determine all issues by majority vote and forthwith certify the results of the election. The State Election Commission shall pay for the costs of the court reporter and the transcript of the hearing. (C) The committee shall remain in session until a conclusion has been reached. All candidates in the protested or contested race shall be immediately notified of the committee's decision. (D) Appeals from decisions by the state executive committee must be taken directly to the Supreme Court on petition for a writ of certiorari based only on the record of the state executive committee hearing. Notice of appeal must be served within ten days of the state executive committee's decision. The Supreme Court may impose filing fees for appeals taken pursuant to this subsection.