If the Mayor dies, resigns, fails to meet the qualifications of office, is removed by the Governor of the State, or is recalled, the President of Council shall immediately become the Mayor. If the vacancy occurs during the final two years and six months of the term, the succeeding Mayor shall complete the original term. Otherwise, the succeeding Mayor shall serve until the first day of January following the next regular municipal election that occurs after the vacancy. The unexpired term shall then be filled by the successful candidate for such term in that regular municipal election. If a mayor-elect dies or fails to meet the qualifications of office set forth in Section 2.2
before assuming office, Council shall at its first meeting in the following January elect one of its members to serve as Mayor until the next regular municipal election, at which time a Mayor shall be elected for the unexpired term. Any Council member becoming Mayor ceases to be a member of Council.