The Rite of Succession was a Klingon ritual which must be performed by a prospective candidate in order to be considered for leadership of the Empire. Performed upon the death of the previous leader, the Rite is overseen by the Arbiter of Succession. The ritual is preceded by the elaborate Sonchi ceremony, which verifies the death of the previous leader. In 2367, Chancellor K'mpec took the unorthodox step of naming Captain Jean-Luc Picard as the Arbiter after his death, since no Klingon could be trusted.
The initial phase of the Rite of Succession consists merely of a proclamation that the challengers have been chosen. In ancient times, the Rite was a long, involved affair where each prospective candidate must perform the ja'chuq to prove their worthiness to lead the Empire. Picard chose to revive this rite as a delay tactic while investigating an assassination attempt on K'mpec's ship. (TNG: "Reunion") Following this, the candidates must compete with each other to see who has the right to be Chancellor. Other rits must also be performed. This process takes several months, even when there is only one candidate. When one challenger has defeated all of his enemies, he must again meet the Arbiter of Succession in front of the High Council. If no more challengers step forward in this final ceremony, the victor becomes Chancellor. (TNG: "Redemption")