Candidates shall declare their candidacy and shall be nominated, election returns shall be canvassed, the election shall be held and conducted, the results shall be declared, and the certificates of election shall be issued, in the same manner as the declaration of candidacy, nomination, election, canvassing of returns, declaration of results, and issuance of certificates of election for county officers are made, declared, held, and conducted, and issued, so far as consistent with the provisions of this act and except as otherwise herein expressly provided.