The Senior Marshal (Polish: Marszałek senior) is an honorary post in Sejm given to one of the oldest (in age) members of the body. He is nominated by the President of Poland and functions as Marshal of the Sejm (Polish: Marszałek sejmu) until that holder of office is elected by the newly elected Sejm and Senate. Election of the marshal of the Sejm is usually the first item on the agenda for the new Sejm. Senior Marshal of the first Sejm of the Communist Poland Franciszek Trąbalski during his short term as the Senior Marshal acted also as a head of state.