At the death of the chief judge, Pahoran I, three of his sons vie for the right to succeed their father in the office of chief judge. This creates three “divisions” among the people, a problem that is settled by a vote of the people. Pahoran II is elected by “the voice of the people” to be the chief judge and governor. Pacumeni submits to the will of the people and supports and unites with Pahoran, but the third brother, Paanchi, rebels against the vote and fans the flames of emotion among his followers, who in turn instigate a rebellion against the people.