18.—(1)  (a) The Council shall make rules, not later than 3 months after the establishment day, for the purpose of the election of persons for appointment as members of the Council under section 16(1)(h),

(b) The Council shall make rules, not later than 3 months after the establishment of the Register of Veterinary Nurses pursuant to section 93, for the purpose of the election of a person for appointment as a member of the Council under section 16(1)(i).

(2)  (a)  (i) Elections referred to in subsection (1)(a) shall be held on a ballot and in a manner provided for by the rules.

 (ii) Elections referred to in subsection (1)(b) shall be held on a ballot and in a manner provided for by the rules.

(b) Rules made under paragraph (a) or (b) of subsection (1) may provide for such incidental, supplementary and consequential provisions as the Council considers necessary or expedient.

(c) Without prejudice to the generality of paragraphs (a) and (b) of subsection (1) or paragraph (b), rules may make provision in relation to—

(i) returning officers,

(ii) ballot papers,

(iii) date of election,

(iv) any other matter that, in the opinion of the Council, is required for the purposes of the election of members.

(3) As soon as practicable, but in any event not more than 3 months after the making of the rules referred to in subsection (1)(a), the Council shall hold elections for the purpose of electing persons for appointment by the Minister as members of the Council pursuant to section 16(1)(h).

(4) As soon as practicable, the Minister shall appoint a day that is not more than 21 days after the completion of the elections referred to in subsection (3) as the day on which those members of the Council appointed by him or her under section 17(3)(a) shall cease to be members of the Council.

(5) With effect from the day referred to in subsection (4), the Minister shall appoint as members of the Council those persons elected under subsection (3).

(6) As soon as practicable, but in any event not more than 3 months after the making of rules referred to in subsection (1)(b), the Council shall hold elections for the purpose of electing a person for appointment by the Minister as a member to the Council pursuant to section 16(1)(i).

(7) As soon as practicable, the Minister shall appoint a day that is not more than 21 days after the completion of the elections referred to in subsection (6) as the day on which the member of the Council appointed by him or her under section 17(3)(b) shall cease to be a member of the Council.

(8) With effect from the day referred to in subsection (7), the Minister shall appoint as a member of the Council the person elected under subsection (6).