Yet it is indirect election that makes the selection process most arduous, because it becomes a political power game.

ECONOMIST: Why it has taken so long to fill a ceremonial post

With the handover clock ticking loudly, Britain two years ago instituted reforms allowing the direct or indirect election of all 60 legislators.

CNN: The Really Useful Guide

The report recognises that composition of the Chamber is likely to be on a representative basis, but asks if members should be selected through either direct or indirect election or perhaps by ex-officio membership or direct appointment.

BBC: News | UK Politics | Lords reform - any ideas?

When President Vaclav Klaus was narrowly re-elected for a second five-year term in 2008, critics of the indirect election process alleged that it was not sufficiently transparent and gave the impression that an agreement between the various political factions was only reached after protracted back-room deal-making.

BBC: Q&A: Czech presidential election

Concentrating minds is the (indirect) election to the Senate scheduled for the beginning of March.

ECONOMIST: Banyan

Last year, ICC judges found probable cause to pursue charges against Muthaura, Kenyatta and two others of being "indirect co-perpetrators" in the 2007 violence following a disputed presidential election.

CNN: ICC drops charges against former Kenya official