(a) At the general election on November 8, 1966, and each fourth year thereafter, a President of the County Council shall be elected at large from New Castle County, except that if such first general election is in a nonpresidential election year, then the President of the County Council thus elected shall serve a term of 2 years and thereafter shall be elected each fourth year in a presidential election year. The President of the County Council shall preside over meetings of the County Council and shall have the same rights and duties including the right to vote and speak therein as other members.
(b) The County Council shall elect by majority vote from among its members a President pro tempore of the county government who shall, during the absence of the President or a vacancy in the office, assume its rights and duties.