If the number of candidates qualifying for an election which does not include city council positions resulting from vacancies of unexpired terms does not exceed the number of positions to be filled by the election, a general election shall not be held and each candidate shall take office for a full term. If the number of candidates qualifying for an election which includes city council positions resulting from vacancies of unexpired terms does not exceed the number of positions to be filled by the election, each candidate shall file with the city clerk within ten days after the close of the qualifying period specified in section 26-3 a designation which specifies whether the term sought by the candidate is a full term or unexpired term of a vacancy. If such designations by all candidates do not produce an excess of candidates seeking full terms or vacant terms over the respective number of full terms or vacant terms, a general election shall not be held and candidates shall take office in accordance with results of the designations. If a candidate fails to make the designation in the time above stated, the candidate shall be deemed to have made a designation for a full term.