Section 9December 22, 1997, Sec./Art. 9

For purposes of this article, a permanent vacancy arises when an incumbent elective regional official fills up a higher vacant office; refuses to assume office; fails to qualify, dies; is removed from office, voluntarily resigns, or is otherwise permanently incapacitated to discharge the functions of his office.

(a) If a permanent vacancy occurs in the office of the regional governor, the regional vice-governor shall become the regional governor;

(b) If a permanent vacancy occurs in the office of the regional vice-governor, the majority floor leader of the Assembly shall become the regional vice-governor;

(c) If a permanent vacancy occurs in both the offices of the governor and vice-governor, the majority floor leader and the next-in-rank officer of the Assembly shall act as governor and vice-governor, respectively; and

(d) The successors as defined herein shall serve only the unexpired terms of their predecessors.