After an election, the first sitting of the National Assembly must take place at a time and on a date determined by the Chief Justice, but not more than 14 days after the election result has been declared.

At its first sitting after its election, the National Assembly must elect a woman or a man from among its members to be the President. The Chief Justice must preside over the election of the President, or designate another judge to do so. At the same sitting, the National Assembly must elect a Speaker and a Deputy Speaker from among its members.

In terms of Item 9 of Part A of Schedule 3 of the Constitution, the Chief Justice has published the Rules that prescribe the procedure for the election of the President of the Republic of South Africa, Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Chairperson and Deputy Chairpersons of the National Council of Provinces, Premier of a Province, and Speaker and Deputy Speaker of a Provincial Legislature

See Rules for first sitting of: NA, NCOP and Provincial Legislatures