All city elections, whether general or special shall be held upon the dates fixed in the general election laws of the state; provided, however, that this section shall not be construed as fixing the time for holding elections for the recall of any duly elected officer, and provided further, that whenever in the opinion of the city council an emergency exists which requires the holding of a special election, such council may by resolution call a special election for the purpose of meeting said emergency. (Ord. 23A § 2, 1952; Ord. 23 § 2, 1950).