PART VII SUMMONING, PROROGATION AND DISSOLUTION OF PARLIAMENT 140 Sessions (1) The sessions of Parliament must be held at the times and places fixed by the President by proclamation published in the Gazette. (2) A session of Parliament must begin in every calendar year. (3) The interval between the last sitting of Parliament in any one session and the first sitting of Parliament in the next session must not exceed one hundred and eighty days. 141 First and special sittings of Parliament (1) After every general election, the President must summon Parliament to sit within twenty-one days after the result of the election has been declared. (2) The President may, at any time, summon Parliament to a special sitting in order to conduct special business. 142 Power of Parliament to determine its sittings During any session, Parliament has power to determine the time and duration of its sittings and recess periods. 143 Life of Parliament (1) Unless it is dissolved sooner, Parliament continues for five years from the date on which it first met after a general election, and then stands dissolved. (2) Whenever Zimbabwe is at war, Parliament may extend the period specified in subsection (1) by not more than a year at a time, up to a maximum of five years. (3) While a declaration of a state of public emergency is in force, Parliament may extend the period specified in subsection (1) by not more than six months at a time, up to a maximum of one year. 144 Prorogation or dissolution of Parliament (1) Subject to this Constitution, the President may at any time prorogue or dissolve Parliament. (2) A prorogation or dissolution of Parliament is effected by proclamation in the Gazette. (3) ) A dissolution of Parliament takes effect from the day immediately before the day or first day fixed for polling in the ensuing general election. (4) On the dissolution of Parliaments, and at the end of every session, all proceedings pending at the time are terminated, and every Bill, motion, petition and other business lapses. PART VIII ELECTIONS 145 When parliamentary elections must be held (1) A general election must be held not later than four months after the publication of a proclamation dissolving Parliament. - 59 -