1.   Mr. Olsen has always avoided anointing any successor.

2.   He had no clear successor, and there is no formal process by which a successor is anointed.

3.   In the final weeks, Zedillo, who decided last spring to abandon the practice of anointing a successor, made repeated statements stressing his neutrality.

4.   Incumbent Nelson Wolff cannot seek re-election but has anointed his successor, who is likely to win.

5.   Suharto has been ailing, popular dissatisfaction with his long rule has grown and he has steadfastly refused to anoint a successor.

6.   Tudjman has anointed no successor.