(1)  Except as provided in subsection (2) , as soon as practicable after determining the total first preference counts under section 144 , the returning officer is to count the further preference votes in accordance with Schedule 4 or Schedule 5 as the case requires.

(2)  At a Council election, subject to the agreement of the Commissioner, the returning officer may commence the count of further preference votes before all ballot papers are counted.

(3)  The counting of votes under subsection (1) may be conducted by an approved electronic means.