48.—(1) As soon as the CRO has received such a direction as is mentioned in rule 47(4)(b) he shall count the number of second preference votes for each of the candidates remaining in the contest given by voters who did not give their first preference vote to any of those candidates.
(2) A ballot paper which is not otherwise void and on which not more than one second preference vote is marked shall be valid as respects that vote and shall be counted accordingly if, but only if, a valid first preference vote has also been marked.
(3) Rules 40, 41(5), (6), (8) and (9), 42 (except paragraph (3)), 44(1) (except the words “the votes, or as the case may be,”) and 46 shall apply in relation to the count of second preference votes as they apply in relation to the count of first preference votes as if references to first preference votes were references to second preference votes.
(4) The CRO shall not be required to re-examine any decision taken under rule 43.
(5) As soon as practicable after the second preference votes have been counted, the CRO shall inform the GLRO of the number of second preference votes cast for each of the candidates remaining in the contest.