(1) Where the credentials of a municipal councillor have been terminated prior to the expiry of the term of office thereof, the municipal election commission shall pronounce the candidate ranked next on the respective list [elected as municipal] councillor.

(2) Where the number of candidates is exhausted, the seat shall remain vacant until the end of the term of office.

(3) The provisions of Paragraph (1) and (2) shall furthermore apply in the cases where the credentials of the Municipal Council have been terminated prior to the expiry of the term of office thereof when less than one year remains until the end of the term of office.

(4) Upon pre-term termination of the credentials of a municipal councillor elected as an independent candidate, the seat thereof shall remain vacant until the expiry of the credentials of the Municipal Council.

(5) Where there is a candidate who has received valid preferences under the terms established by Article 454 (2) herein but the said candidate has not been pronounced elected, in the cases referred to in Paragraph (1) the said candidate shall fill the seat of the municipal councillor whose credentials are terminated.