Alternate members replace, where appropriate, full members who are prevented from sitting or who cease to hold office for any reason before the end of their term of office. In the latter case, the term of office of the alternate members is that which would have expired on the date on which the term of office of those they replace would have expired.
The vacant seat is immediately filled by the alternate member elected in the same ballot and having received the highest number of votes. In the event of a tie, the seat is filled by the oldest alternate member with the same number of votes.