N.D. Cent. Code § 16.1-16-03: Commencement of action - Parties - Status of contestee

An action to contest an election must be commenced by service of a summons and verified complaint. The party instituting the action must be known as the contestant, and the party against whom the action is instituted must be known as the contestee. In a contest of an election, the person holding the certificate of election shall take possession and discharge the duties of the office until the contest action is finally decided.