249 Districts and district local authorities (1) An Act of Parliament must provide for the division of provinces into districts and for the establishment of councils of local authorities to represent and manage the affairs of people in rural areas within those districts. (2) Different classes of local authorities may be established for districts and subdivisions of districts, and two or more different districts or areas may be placed under the management of a single local authority. 250 Functions of local authorities An Act of Parliament may confer functions on local authorities, including– (a) a power to make by-laws, regulations or rules for the effective administration of the areas for which they have been established; (b) a power to levy rates and taxes and generally to raise sufficient revenue for them to carry out their objects and responsibilities. 251 Elections to local authorities Elections of members of local authorities must be held– (a) in the case of a general election of members, concurrently with a general election of Members of Parliament and President; (b) in the case of an election, other than a general election, to fill one or more casual vacancies, as soon as practicable after the vacancies have occurred. CHAPTER XVII TRADITIONAL LEADERS 252 Recognition of traditional leadership (1) Subject to this Constitution, the institution and status of traditional leadership, in particular chieftainship, must be recognised by law in accordance with the culture, customs and traditions of the people to whom the institution applies. (2) The functions of traditional leaders are– (a) to exercise the functions pertaining to their offices as traditional heads of their people; (b) to promote and uphold cultural values among their people, particularly the promotion of traditional family life; (c) in the case of Chiefs, to ensure that Communal Land is allocated amongst their people in accordance with law; (d) adjudicating in and resolving disputes amongst their people in accordance with law; and (e) exercising any other function that may be conferred or imposed on them by or under an Act of Parliament. 253 Recognition and appointment of Chiefs The President, in accordance with an Act of Parliament, must recognise and formally appoint Chiefs selected in accordance with the laws, customs, traditions and practices of their communities. - 90 -