38. (1) There shall be a Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, who shall be elected by the Assembly, in accordance with its standing orders, from among persons who are members of the Assembly other than the President, the Vice-President, Ministers, Assistant Ministers and the Attorney-General.

(2) The National Assembly shall elect a Deputy Speaker--

(a) subject to section 37 (3), when it first meets after a dissolution of Parliament; and

(b) when it first meets after the office of Deputy Speaker has become vacant otherwise than by reason of the dissolution of Parliament,

or as soon thereafter as may be convenient.

(3) The Deputy Speaker shall vacate his office -

(a) when the National Assembly first meets after a dissolution of Parliament; or

(b) if he is elected as President or becomes the Vice-President, or a Minister or an Assistant Minister; or

(c) if he ceases to be a member of the National Assembly otherwise than by reason of the dissolution of Parliament; or

(d) if the National Assembly so resolves, by resolution supported by the votes of not less than seventy-five per cent of all its members (excluding the ex officio members).