48 U.S.C. § 1752 — Election of Delegate

(a) Electors and time of election The Delegate^* must be elected—

(1) by the people qualified to vote for the popularly elected officials of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands; and

(2) at the Federal general election of 2008 and at such Federal general election every 2d year thereafter.

(b) Manner of election

(1) In general The Delegate must be elected at large and by a plurality of the votes cast for the office of Delegate.

(2) Effect of establishment of primary elections Notwithstanding paragraph (1), if the Government of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, acting under legislation enacted under the Constitution of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, provides for primary elections for the election of the Delegate, the Delegate must be elected by a majority of the votes cast in any general election for the office of Delegate for which such primary elections were held.

(c) Vacancy In case of a permanent vacancy in the office of Delegate, the office of Delegate must remain vacant until a successor is elected and qualified.

(d) Commencement of term The term of the Delegate must begin on the 3d day of January following the date of the election.