(4) The independent
panel shall report as approved for each judicial position all highly qualified persons who make application to the
panel, provided that if the number
of highly qualified applicants exceeds three times the number
of existing vacancies to be filled in such position (determined as
of the time the
panel renders its report), the independent
panel shall report as approved the most highly qualified applicants in a number equal to three times the number
of vacancies to be filled in such position, provided further that if the number
of highly qualified applicants is less than three times the number
of vacancies to be filled in such position the independent
panel shall report as approved the most highly qualified applicants in a number equal to not less than two times the number
of such vacancies, provided further that the following categories
of applicants who are eligible for reelection or reappointment shall be reported as approved if their performance during their term
of office merits continuation in office, and no other applicants shall be reported as approved for their vacancies: (a) a
judge or justice
completing a full term
of office seeking re-election to that office, or (b) an interim Supreme Court justice who has been appointed
by the Governor to fill an existing vacancy no later than the previous June 1 after approval
of the Governor's screening
panel, who has been confirmed
by the State Senate and has assumed office no later than the date the
panel renders its report, and who otherwise would not be required to make application to the independent screening
panel pursuant to the provisions
of sub-paragraph (3).