Chapter 4: Parliament (4) election was set aside. The National Assembly remains competent to function from the time it is dissolved or its term expires, until the day before the first day of polling for the next Assembly. Dissolution of National Assembly before expiry of its term 50. (1) (2) The President must dissolve the National Assembly if— (a) the Assembly has adopted a resolution to dissolve with a supporting vote of a majority of its members; and (b) three years have passed since the Assembly was elected. The Acting President must dissolve the National Assembly if— (a) there is a vacancy in the office of President; and (b) the Assembly fails to elect a new President within 30 days after the vacancy occurred. Sittings and recess periods 51. (1) After an election, the first sitting of the National Assembly must take place at a time and on a date determined by the Chief Justice, but not more than 14 days after the election result has been declared. The Assembly may determine the time and duration of its other sittings and its recess periods. [Sub-s. (1) substituted by s. 1 of the Constitution Sixth Amendment Act of 2001.] (2) (3) The President may summon the National Assembly to an extraordinary sitting at any time to conduct special business. Sittings of the National Assembly are permitted at places other than the seat of Parliament only on the grounds of public interest, security or convenience, and if provided for in the rules and orders of the Assembly. Speaker and Deputy Speaker 52. (1) (2) At the first sitting after its election, or when necessary to fill a vacancy, the National Assembly must elect a Speaker and a Deputy Speaker from among its members. The Chief Justice must preside over the election of a Speaker, or designate another judge to do so. The Speaker presides over the election of a Deputy Speaker. [Sub-s. (2) substituted by s. 2 of the Constitution Sixth Amendment Act of 2001.] 28