Democracies pride themselves on their efficient transfer of power from one elected leader to the next. But death or disability can strike a leader and cause immediate crisis.
The world marveled at the smooth and prompt manner in which Japan accommodated the sudden recent illness of Prime Minister Keizo Obuchi and immediately elected Yoshiro Mori to the post.
But Japan was lucky. The circumstances of the prime minister's illness were clear, and there was a successor groomed and positioned. It may not always be so easy or so clear-cut.