(1) The Presiding Officer shall as far as practicable, proceed continuously with the counting of the votes and shall during any intervals when the counting has to be suspended, keep the ballot papers, packets and other documents relating to the election sealed with his own seal and the seals of such candidates or agents as may desire to affix their seals and shall cause adequate precautions to be taken for their safe custody.
(2) After the counting of all ballot papers contained in all the ballot boxes used at a polling station has been completed, the Presiding Officer shall fill in and sign the result of counting in form 7, announce the particulars and unless there is recounting of votes shall transmit the same to the Returning Officer.