Overview
The otaman was elected by elders (starshyna) of the Zaporozhian Host. The position contained the highest military, administrative, and judicial powers. Until the establishment of the Cossack Hetmanate the title was interchangeably used with Hetman. During military campaigns powers of otaman were virtually unrestricted, but in peacetime the most important military and political issues he addressed to the council of starshynas (officers) and the military council. Kosh otaman was elected for a term of one year and in exceptional cases was reelected. Upon expiration of his term amounted to report on his activities to a military council. The Kosh otaman that was not reelected returned to his assigned kurin.
Read more about this topic: Kosh Otaman