The State of Vorarlberg on the Internet

Article 18

The President

   (1) The State Parliament elects a President from amongst its members, as well as his two deputies (vice presidents), who together form the State Parliament executive committee. Members of the State Government may not be members of the State Parliament executive committee.
   (2) Provided that the party groups in the State Parliament have not agreed otherwise, the position of President falls to the party group which received the most votes in the immediately preceding election. In the event that the party groups in the State Parliament do not agree to elect by simple majority vote the proposed first and second vice presidents, their election will take place on the basis of the lists of the party groups - including the President - in accordance with the principles of proportional representation. Changes in the strength of the party groups during the term of the State Parliament will not be taken into account.
   (3) The President represents the State Parliament externally. He conducts the business of the State Parliament, leads its negotiations, applies its standing orders, maintains order during sessions of the State Parliament, and exercises the prerogative of entry in-to the buildings of the State Parliament.
   (4) In the event that the President is unable to discharge his rights and obligations, these pass to both vice presidents. Should the vice presidents also be unable to discharge their rights and obligations, these pass to the oldest member of the State Parliament who is not prevented from the discharge of his duties. This member must immediately order the election by the State Parliament of a chairperson and two deputies, who will assume the functions of the President and vice presidents until they are able to resume office. Should a member of the State parliament executive committee relinquish his office, a supplementary election will be held.