(1)  Except as provided by subsection (2) , the Commission is responsible for the safe custody of parcels forwarded to it under section 149 until –

(a) if no application under section 205 has been lodged in respect of the election, the expiration of the period during which the validity of the election may be disputed under this Act; or

(b) if an application under section 205 has been lodged in respect of the election, the Supreme Court has determined the application and any appeal from that determination has been finalised.

(2)  The Commission is responsible for the safe custody of ballot papers included in the count under section 145 in respect of an Assembly election until the issue of the writ for the next following Assembly general election.

(3)  After the expiration of the relevant period specified in subsection (1) or (2) , the Commission may cause the parcels forwarded to it under section 149 to be destroyed.