Section 126: Speaker of National Assembly

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

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

(3) A person is qualified for election as Speaker if he or she is or has been a Member of the National Assembly or is qualified to be elected to the National Assembly.

(4) Elections to the office of Speaker 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 Speaker 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 Member of the National Assembly who is elected as Speaker ceases to be a Member of the National Assembly, and the vacant seat must be filled in accordance with the Electoral Law.

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

(8) The Speaker must vacate his or her office—

    (a) on the day on which the National Assembly 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 President of the Senate;

    (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 Member of the National Assembly; 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 National Assembly.