The interrex had "jurisdictio". Only a dictator (or perhaps an interrex) was exempted from the veto power. An Interrex always had to be a patrician. After the death of each subsequent king an "interrex" was appointed by the senate. Each "interrex" held the office for only five days, as under the kings. The Interrex then formally declared the nominee to be king. The interrex then formally declared the nominee to be king. The Interrex was quite literally an "interim king". In 53 BC, Scipio was interrex with Marcus Valerius Messalla. Spurius Lucretius was swiftly elected interrex; he was prefect of the city already. After a king died, the Interrex selected a candidate to replace the king. After a king died, the interrex selected a candidate to replace the king. Spurius Lucretius was swiftly elected interrex (he was prefect of the city anyway). An interrex presided over the assembly during interim periods between kings (the "interregnum").