31.   The opposition deputies, who had wanted a secret vote, refused to participate in the open vote to elect a speaker.

32.   The speaker was elected last week after parliament removed his predecessor for incompetence, a move opposed by the executive.

33.   Under the constitution, the speaker is elected for four years by the absolute majority of MPs present at the first session of parliament.

34.   When the House met in early April, it failed to elect a speaker.

35.   Ukrainian deputies began a two-day debate in parliament Tuesday to elect a speaker, with a centrist and a socialist said to be the favored candidates.

36.   It also elected its speaker, Frene Ginwala of the ANC.

37.   The Lok Sabha speaker is usually elected from the ruling party, giving the government a vital edge in day-to-day legislative business.

38.   The Lok Sabha speaker is usually elected from the ruling party.