Canon 186

1. If the synod of bishops of the patriarchal Church cannot be

convened, the patriarch, after consulting the Apostolic See, can

request the vote of the bishops by letter. In this case, the

patriarch must employ for the validity of the act the services of

two episcopal tellers, who are to be designated according to the

norm of particular law, or, lacking this, by the patriarch with

the consent of the permanent synod. 2. Observing secrecy, the

tellers are to open the letters of the bishops, count the votes

and sign the written report of the completed ballot along with

the patriarch. 3. If one of the candidates obtains an absolute

majority of the votes of the members of the synod in this one

ballot, he is elected and the patriarch proceeds according to the

norms of cann. 184 and 185. Otherwise the patriarch defers the

matter to the Apostolic See.