Promotion is the usual means for filling vacancies in higher ranks in a grade by selecting officers from a lower rank in the same grade. Officers are selected for promotion on the criteria of character, ability, experience and any qualifications prescribed for the higher rank. The officer selected for promotion must be the most meritorious, one who is able and ready to perform the more demanding duties at a higher rank. Seniority will be given weight only when no eligible officer stands out as the most meritorious and suitable for promotion. All eligible candidates are considered on equal terms irrespective of their terms of appointment.