If a majority of said board of directors are appointed by the secretary of the interior, as provided for in this chapter, then the remaining directors shall be elected at large within the entire irrigation district for terms of three years each, which terms, however, shall be limited to and expire at the same time as the terms of members appointed by the secretary of the interior, after which the directors shall be elected in the same manner and for the same terms as provided herein in the case of the first general election of directors.
SDCL 46A-4-23