N.D. Cent. Code § 44-01-04

If any person elected to any state, district, county, or other political subdivision office fails to qualify and enter upon the duties of such office within the time fixed by law, such office must be deemed vacant and must be filled by appointment as provided by law. If there is a contest for such office or if the person elected to such office is prevented or obstructed in any manner from entering upon the duties thereof, the time above prescribed does not govern and the person must be allowed twenty days after the day such contest is determined or such obstruction removed in which to qualify.