(a) After the filing of an affidavit of candidacy by or after the filing of a nominating petition by or on behalf of a proposed candidate for the office of Mayor or Councilor, the candidate shall not be permitted to withdraw unless he or she provides a written notice of withdrawal to the clerk-treasurer or the duly authorized agent not later than 4:00 p.m. on the third day after the last day for filling petitions. If the third day falls on a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday, the notice of withdrawal may be served up to 4:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, on the next secular day.
(b) The latest time for filing nominating petitions in the office of the Clerk - Treasurer for each General Municipal election shall be 4:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, on the ninth Tuesday prior to the date of the General Municipal Election. Thereafter, the Clerk - Treasurer shall certify the names qualified to be printed on the election ballot and publish the names so certified, the offices for which they have filed petitions, and designations whether the candidates are to be elected to a full or the remaining portion of an unexpired term. The Clerk - Treasurer shall publish in a newspaper of general circulation in the City a notice calling the election.