A leadership void at the International Monetary Fund threatens to draw attention from pressing world issues like war in Libya and the Arab Spring at meeting of world leaders in France.

Analysts at the Group of Eight summit in the chic resort of Deauville said on Thursday that the countries should avoid any impression that French Finance Minister Christine Lagarde is a shoo—in for the top IMF job. Mexico’s central bank governor Agustin Carstens is also a possible contender.

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has said rich countries need to work with developing nations over the IMF succession. China said on Thursday it wants a transparent, merit—based selection process.

The G—8 has major voting power on the IMF’s executive board, which is expected to name a new managing director by the end of June. Dominique Strauss—Kahn of France resigned last week over sex crime allegations.

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