The result of the polling shall be ascertained by scrutiny of the ballot papers and by count of the votes in accordance with Division (4a) or (4b), as the case may require, and shall be conducted in the presence of any candidate or scrutineer that may be present in the following manner:

(1) The scrutiny and count of votes shall commence as soon as practicable after the closing of the poll.

(2) The candidates, the scrutineers, and officers may be present, but no other person.

(2a) The scrutineers and officers present shall wear or display such identification as is provided or required by the Returning Officer.

(3) Where the count of the votes is not commenced immediately after the close of the poll, the scrutineers shall be informed in writing by the officer conducting the count as regards the time and place when and where such count will be commenced and conducted by him.

(4) All the proceedings at the count of the votes shall be subject to the inspection of the scrutineers.

(5) All informal votes shall be rejected and the number recorded.

(6) The count of the votes may, from time to time, be adjourned as the officer conducting the count may deem necessary, until it has been duly completed.

[Section 134 ⁴ amended by No 44 of 1911 s.33; No. 40 of 1987 s.84; No. 79 of 1987 s.56.]