The district court is presided over by district judges chosen by the qualified electors of their respective districts for a term of four (4) years, except that upon the creation of a new district judgeship in any district or upon the appointment by the governor to fill a vacancy in a district judgeship in any district, such judge shall be appointed to hold office until the first Monday in January following the next judicial nominating election for district judges occurring at least one (1) year following the date of the judge’s appointment and until his successor is elected and qualified.