The ballot to be used in an election on consolidation shall be substantially in the following form:

   “For consolidation of the cities (and villages) of …………… and …………… (naming each city or village) [ ] yes [ ] no”

   Each municipality proposed for consolidation shall bear its own election expenses, the results shall be canvassed by the canvassing board of each municipality, and the returns thereof made to the commission. The nominations, qualifications of commissioners, form of ballot, election and all other things to be done in the election of commissioners, shall be as provided in section 15 of Act No. 279 of the Public Acts of 1909, as amended. The nomination and election in each municipality shall be separate, and the members of the charter commission from each municipality shall be the sole judge of the membership and qualifications of the commissioners elected from such municipality. If only 1 commissioner is to be elected from a municipality and his qualifications are challenged, not less than a majority of the other charter commissioners elected and serving shall be the sole judges of the qualifications of such commissioner.