Should a seat fall vacant, the procedure for designating a new elected representative varies according to the country or assembly concerned. In the Irish House of Representatives for example, a by-election is held, as in the Indian Council of States and the Maltese House of Representatives. In the Australian Senate, on the other hand, the incumbent is replaced by a member of the same party elected by the Chambers of the State or territory concerned. For vacant seats in the Irish Senate, the Prime Minister may appoint a replacement in some cases.