Upon the hearing of any contest, if the state or county executive committee finally determines who is the legal nominee for any office, it shall make a declaration of its judgment upon the question not later than 90 days before the general election for a county office and not later than 83 days before the general election for a state office. If the committee fails or refuses to hear or determine the outcome of a contest by the 90th day before the general election for a county office or the 83rd day before the general election for a state office, the failure or refusal shall be treated as a dismissal or the rendition of judgment against the contestant, and a certificate thereof shall be forwarded by either the county chair to the judge of probate or the state chair to the Secretary of State.
Ala. Code § 17-13-86 (1975)