44 (b) a Deputy Speaker from amongst the members of Parliament (excluding Ministers). (2) The Speaker and the Deputy Speaker assumes office by taking the oath or affirmation of allegiance and office set out in the Schedule, as administered by the Secretary-General to Parliament. (3) The Speaker shall preside over every sitting of Parliament. (4) The Deputy Speaker must perform the duties of the Speaker if the Speaker is absent from duty or from Fiji or is, for any other reason, unable to perform those duties. (5) If the Speaker or the Deputy Speaker is unable to perform the duties of the Speaker, the members of Parliament must elect one of their members to preside at meetings of Parliament. (6) The Speaker, Deputy Speaker, or any other person presiding at any time, in the performance of the functions of the Speaker— (a) is independent and subject only to this Constitution and any other law; (b) serves to secure the honour and dignity of Parliament; (c) is responsible for ensuring— (i) the rights and privileges of all members; and (ii) public access to the proceedings of Parliament and its committees; (d) has authority to maintain order and decorum in Parliament, in accordance with its standing orders and parliamentary tradition; and (e) must act impartially, and without fear, favour or prejudice. (7) The office of the Speaker becomes vacant— (a) on the day immediately before the first meeting of Parliament after a general election; or (b) if, before that day, the Speaker— (i) resigns by giving to the President a written notice of resignation; (ii) becomes the holder of another public office; (iii) ceases to have the right to be registered as a voter in an election to Parliament; (iv) is absent from 2 consecutive meetings of Parliament; or (v) is removed from office by a resolution supported by not less than two-thirds of the members of Parliament.