Selecting a master node in a multi-node computer system is described. Each node of the multi-node computer system selects a timeout value (e.g., randomly). Each node starts a timer, which is set to expire at the selected timeout value of its corresponding node. The node with the timer that expires earliest broadcasts an election message to the other nodes of the multi-node computer system, which informs the other nodes that the broadcasting node is a candidate for mastership over the multi-node computer system. The other nodes respond to the election message upon receiving it. In the absence of a refusal message from one or more of the other nodes, the candidate is established as master node in the multi-node computer system and wherein the other nodes function as slave nodes therein.