The commissioners selected the electors, for they had all to be "marked out by their good conduct, their wealth, and their social position," and they had all to be in favour of independence.

They then presided at the elections, which were _viva voce_.

They apparently selected the people to be elected, and forwarded a record of the proceedings to the central government.

The election had to be approved by the dictator or president before the successful candidates could assume the duties of their offices.

Later on, the military commanders remote from the seat of government were authorized to approve elections and install the successful candidates, but the records of election had even then to be forwarded to the capital for approval, the action of the commissioner not being final.
The commissioners do not seem to have been able to find many men who had the necessary requisites for electors.