The Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front has ruled Ethiopia since 1991, following its victory in a long civil war against the military junta headed by Mengistu Haile Mariam. Today the party dominates Ethiopian politics. Through its majority in the country's legislature, the ruling coalition can select the prime minister and Cabinet members as well as control the entire political process, including election outcomes. However, as a concession to appease Western donors, who prefer a degree of democratic rule, the Ethiopian government has made modest space for opposition political parties. The 2015 elections will be the first for the Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front since the death of its creator and longtime leader, Meles Zenawi , three years ago. Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn, who hails from the small Wolayta ethnic group in southern Ethiopia, nominally leads the government.