N.D. Cent. Code § 40-04-04

The officials of an election held under the provisions of this chapter shall make a return of such election to the governing body of the city and such governing body shall canvass such returns and cause the result of the canvass to be entered upon the records of the city. If a majority of the votes cast on the question at such election shall be for city organization under the commission system, the auditor shall certify the adoption of such form of government and a copy of the proceedings concerning the same to the secretary of state together with the result of any special census taken in such city. The city officers then in office shall exercise the powers conferred upon like officers of a city operating under the commission system of government until their successors are elected and qualified.