Section 122: President of Senate

(1) At its first sitting after a general election and before proceeding to any other business, the Senate must elect a presiding officer to be known as the President of the Senate.

(2) Whenever there is a vacancy in the office of President of the Senate, the Senate must without delay elect a person to fill the vacancy.

(3) A person is qualified for election as President of the Senate if he or she is or has been a Senator or is qualified to be elected to the Senate.

(4) Elections to the office of President of the Senate must be conducted by the Clerk of Parliament under the supervision of the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission, by secret ballot in accordance with Standing Orders, and the results must be announced forthwith.

(5) Before commencing his or her duties, the President of the Senate must take before the Chief Justice or the next most senior judge available the oaths of loyalty and office in the forms set out in the Third Schedule.

(6) A Senator who is elected as President of the Senate ceases to be a Senator, and the vacant seat must be filled in accordance with the Electoral Law.

(7) The President of the Senate may resign by announcing his or her resignation in person to the Senate or, if the Senate is not sitting, by giving written notice to the Clerk of Parliament.

(8) The President of the Senate must vacate his or her office—

    (a) on the day on which the Senate first meets after a general election;

    (b) upon accepting any other public office or upon entering employment with any other

person;

    (c) upon becoming a Member of Parliament or the Speaker;

    (d) upon becoming a Vice-President, Minister or Deputy Minister;

    (e) if circumstances arise that would oblige him or her to vacate his or her seat, if he or

she were a Senator; or

    (f) if a resolution for his or her removal from office is passed by at least two-thirds of the

total membership of the Senate.