Except as provided in Section 79441, any vacancy on the commission occurring by the failure of any person elected to or serving on the commission as an alternate to continue in his or her position due to a change in status making him or her ineligible to serve, or due to death, removal, or resignation, shall be filled by another eligible person for the unexpired portion of the term by a majority vote of the members of the commission. The person shall fulfill all the qualifications set forth in this article as required for the person whose office he or she is to occupy.