Speaker

(1) There shall be a Speaker of the National Assembly who shall be elected by the Members of the Assembly from among persons who are Members of the Assembly or from among persons who are not Members of the Assembly. (2) The President, the Vice-President, a Minister, an Assistant Minister or a public officer shall not be qualified to be elected as Speaker. (3) The Speaker shall vacate his or her office— ( a ) if, having been elected from among the Members of the National Assembly, he or she ceases to be a Member of the Assembly otherwise than by reason of a dissolution of Parliament or if he or she is required by virtue of section 68(2) to (3) of this Constitution, to cease to perform his or her functions as a Member of the Assembly; ( b ) if any circumstances arise that, if he or she were not Speaker, would disqualify him for election as such; ( c ) when the Assembly first sits after any dissolution of Parliament; or ( d ) if he or she is removed from office by a resolution of the Assembly supported by the votes of not less than two-thirds of all the Members thereof. (4) No business shall be transacted in the National Assembly (other than an election to the office of Speaker) at any time when the office of Speaker is vacant.