Notwithstanding any other provisions of this article, any city or town may sell, lease or otherwise dispose of any municipally owned natural gas system upon the favorable vote of a majority of the qualified electors of the municipality voting in a general or special election held after notice thereof, explaining in general terms the proposed transaction, has been given in a newspaper of general circulation in the city or town once a week for two successive weeks, the first of which shall appear not more than thirty days prior to the election date. Such election shall be held in accordance with the laws governing municipal elections and no petition as prescribed by § 5-31-640 shall be required in connection therewith.