(1) The legislative period of the National Council lasts five years, calculated from the day of its first meeting, but in any case until the day on which the new National Council meets.

(2) The newly elected National Council shall be convened by the Federal President within thirty days after the election. The latter shall be so arranged by the Federal Government as to enable the newly elected National Council to meet on the day after the expiry of the fifth year of the legislative period.