(a) The offices of the three judges of the Court of Criminal Appeals that were filled in the general election of 1970 pursuant to Act No. 987 of the 1969 Regular Session of the Legislature shall be filled by election from the state at large in the general election held each six years thereafter, or as the end of the term of such office may thereafter occur pursuant to the Constitution.
(b) The offices of the two judges of the Court of Criminal Appeals that were filled in the general election of 1972 pursuant to Act No. 75 of the 1971 Third Special Session of the Legislature shall be filled by election from the state at large in the general election held each six years thereafter, or as the end of the term of such office may thereafter occur pursuant to the Constitution.
(c) The presiding judge of the Court of Criminal Appeals may from time to time designate panels of three judges to decide cases submitted to said court; provided, that the concurrence of three of the five judges shall be required for each decision.