(f) (g) (h) (2) change of political affiliation or party on whose ticket he or she was elected to the National Legislative Assembly; assumption of any constitutional office in a state or local government level; or death. Upon vacation of the seat of a member of the National Legislative Assembly or the Council of States his or her seat shall be filled in accordance with the provisions of Article 64 herein. By-elections 64. (1) When a vacancy occurs in respect of any seat in the National Legislative Assembly or the Council of States, the Speaker of the appropriate House shall, in writing, notify the National Elections Commission within ten days from the occurrence of that vacancy. (2) A by-election to fill the vacancy shall be held by the National Elections Commission within sixty days following occurrence of the vacancy. (3) Notwithstanding sub-Articles (1) and (2) above, if a vacancy occurs in respect of any seat in the National Legislative Assembly or the Council of States before the expiry of one year from the beginning of the Transitional Period: (a) (b) (4) the Speaker of the appropriate House shall, in writing, notify the President within ten days from the occurrence of that vacancy; the President shall appoint the successor to the seat within sixty days following the occurrence of the vacancy after consultation with the relevant constituencies, political parties and state legislatures concerned, as the case may be. No by-election to fill a vacancy shall be held within the three months prior to the next general elections. Oath of a Member of the National Legislature 65. To assume his or her functions, every member of the National Legislative Assembly or the Council of States shall take the following oath before the appropriate House: “I…….......…....., as a Member of the National Legislative Assembly/Council of States, do hereby swear by Almighty God/ solemnly affirm/ that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the Republic of South Sudan and its people; that I will obey and respect the Constitution and abide by the law; and that I will faithfully and conscientiously discharge my duties and responsibilities as a member of the National Legislative Assembly/Council of States and serve the people of the Republic of South Sudan to the best of my ability, so help me God.” 22