Ethiopia does not have a clearly defined order of succession, even if the Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front likely has been giving the succession issue much thought since the prime minister's health began to deteriorate. Ethiopia's lawmakers have been recalled from recess, but since most hail from rural areas throughout the country, it will be days before they assemble in Addis Ababa. After lawmakers return to the capital, the ruling party will hold a party leadership election in the next couple of weeks. The leading candidate to replace Zenawi is Foreign Affairs Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn. A hand-picked favorite of Zenawi who brings brings extensive domestic and international experience to the office, Desalegn already has been appointed as acting prime minister. He is seen as a statesman who can incorporate diverse ethnic groups into decision-making processes.