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(4) If a majority of the members mentioned in subsection (1) consider that the
person who is the Leader of the Opposition should no longer hold the position of the
Leader of the Opposition, then they shall inform the Speaker of their decision and they
may elect another member of Parliament mentioned in subsection (1), in accordance
with the procedure set out in subsection (2).
(5) Upon the expiry or dissolution of Parliament, the Leader of the Opposition
continues in office until the next appointment of a Prime Minister.
(6) If a Leader of the Opposition is unable to be elected in accordance with this
section, then the provisions of this Constitution providing for any action by the Leader
of the Opposition, including any advice, nomination or consultation of the Leader of the
Opposition, are of no effect, and an appointment may be made or action may be taken
under a provision of this Constitution without reference to the Leader of the Opposition.
Secretary-General to Parliament
79.—(1) This section establishes the office of the Secretary-General to Parliament.
(2) The Secretary-General to Parliament shall be appointed by the President on the
advice of the Constitutional Offices Commission.
(3) The Secretary-General to Parliament has the same status as that of a permanent
secretary and shall be responsible to the Speaker for the efficient, effective and economical
management of Parliament.
(4) The Secretary-General to Parliament is the principal procedural advisor to the
Speaker, and to all members of Parliament and committees of Parliament.
(5) The Secretary-General to Parliament is responsible for all the functions as may
be conferred on him or her by the standing orders of Parliament.
(6) In the performance of the functions or the exercise of the authority and powers,
the Secretary-General to Parliament shall be independent and shall not be subject to the
direction or control of any person or authority, except the Speaker, a court of law or as
otherwise prescribed by written law.
(7) The Secretary-General to Parliament shall have the authority to appoint, remove
and discipline all staff (including administrative staff) in Parliament.
(8) The Secretary-General to Parliament has the authority to determine all matters
pertaining to the employment of all staff in Parliament, including—
(a) the terms and conditions of employment;
(b) the qualification requirements for appointment and the process to be
followed for appointment, which must be an open, transparent and
competitive selection process based on merit;