If the successor city has a freeholder’s charter, the successor city shall be governed as a new city under the freeholder’s charter of the successor city. If the successor city was organized under former Part 2 (commencing with Section 35000) of Division 2 of Title 4, or its predecessors, the successor city shall be governed in the same manner as a new city. Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, the successor city shall be governed in the name of the successor city. If the electors have expressed a preference for the name of the successor city, the successor city is deemed to have the name favored by the electors. The predecessor cities are dissolved and disincorporated and if any of them has a freeholder’s charter, it is deemed surrendered and annulled and they are merged into the successor city. Immediately upon qualifying, the officers of the successor city who have been elected shall enter upon the duties of their offices and hold office until the next general municipal election and until their successors are elected and qualified. All persons in possession of, or occupying, the offices in each of the predecessor cities shall surrender them immediately to the proper officers of the successor city.