The form of the ballot used in any city primary or election shall conform as nearly as may be to that prescribed by the general laws of the state, except that no party designation or emblem shall appear upon any city ballot. The names of qualified candidates or nominees for each office shall be listed in a single column and shall be rotated systematically on the ballots. In all other respects the printing and numbering of ballots shall conform to the general laws of the state relating to elections.