(1) The probate judges of a county having 2 or more probate judges shall have equal powers, duties, and compensation except that the power of nomination, appointment, and removal of the several employees as provided by law for the probate court in that county, and of the offices connected therewith and the general direction and control of the business of the court, including the division of the work between the judges, shall be vested in a chief probate judge selected as follows:

    (a) If the county has less than 1,000,000 in population, then in the probate judge having served for the longest period continuously, or if 2 or more judges were elected at the same election and served the same number of years continuously, then in the judge receiving the highest vote at the last election.

    (b) If the county has 1,000,000 or more in population, then in the probate judge who is chosen by the several probate judges in the county, or if a judge does not receive a majority vote of the probate judges, then in the probate judge of that county selected by the Governor.

    (2) The selection provided for in this section in counties of 1,000,000 or more in population shall be made within 15 days after the commencement of each year and the judge so selected shall exercise the duties and powers therein provided for the full calendar year then commencing, until his successor is selected, or is designated by the governor.