Commentary on Provisions Scottish Parliament elections Section 29 – Election of new Presiding Officer: extension of period
90.Section 19 of the 1998 Act provides that Parliament must, following a general election, elect from its members a Presiding Officer and two deputies before it conducts any other proceedings (except the taking by its members of the oath of allegiance) and in any event, within the period of 14 days beginning immediately after the day of the poll at an election.
91.This section changes that by amending section 19 of the 1998 Act so that, in cases where a general election was held on a day proposed by the Presiding Officer in accordance with a proclamation made by His Majesty under section 2(5) or new section 2(5E), the requirement for Parliament to elect a Presiding Officer and two deputies is to be done as soon as reasonably practicable after the day of the poll at the election.