Arkansas Code
Chapter 61 - City Manager Enabling Act of 1989
§ 14-61-111. Selection of mayor

(a) Unless a majority of the qualified electors of the city voting on the issue choose otherwise, the mayor will be selected by a majority vote of the board of directors from among its members.
(b)
(1)
(A) If a majority of the qualified electors of the city voting on the issue vote to do so, the mayor shall be directly elected by the qualified electors of the city.
(B) Any person so elected shall serve as mayor for a term of four (4) years.

(2)
(A) At a special or general election on the question of whether to directly elect the mayor, a majority of the qualified electors voting on the issue may also vote to require that a successful candidate for mayor receive a minimum percentage, less than fifty percent (50%), of the total votes cast for the position of mayor in order to be elected mayor without a runoff.
(B) The minimum percentage necessary for election without a runoff shall be determined by ordinance approved by a two-thirds vote of the governing body or referred to the electors for their approval.

(3)
(A) If it is required that a candidate receive a minimum percentage, less than fifty percent (50%), of the total votes cast for mayor in order to be elected mayor without a runoff, and if no candidate for the position of mayor receives at least the required percentage of the votes cast, then the two (2) candidates receiving the highest number of votes shall be the nominees for the position of mayor and shall be certified to a special runoff election which shall be held four (4) weeks from the day on which the general election is held.
(B) The special runoff election shall be conducted, and the election results shall be canvassed and certified in the manner prescribed by law for municipal runoff elections.

(c) The question of whether to directly elect the mayor may be voted on at a general or special election held:
(1) At the time the city seeks to organize or reorganize under this chapter;
(2) As the result of a properly presented petition filed pursuant to § 14-61-113; or
(3) As the result of the referral of an ordinance by the board of directors calling for a reorganization under this chapter.

(d) If an election to provide for the direct election of the mayor is unsuccessful, the issue shall not be submitted again for at least two (2) years after the date of the unsuccessful election.