If at any time after an election for the office of mayor or for a member of the governing body and before the time fixed for the commencement of the term of the office, it shall be determined that the person elected to that office shall no longer have the qualifications required for the office, the municipal clerk shall forthwith fix the date for a special election to fill the office for its term or unexpired term, as the case may be, to be held not less than 45 days nor more than 50 days from the date of such determination.
N.J.S. § 40A:16-17