Ghana's ruling party has named newly-installed President John Mahama as its candidate for the coming presidential election.

Mr. Mahama will take the place of President John Atta Mills, who was planning to run for re-election when he died unexpectedly on Tuesday at the age of 68.

In an interview with VOA, Ghana's Information Minister Fritz Baffour says leaders of the National Democratic Congress party endorsed Mr. Mahama on Thursday. His nomination is expected to be confirmed at an upcoming party congress.

Officials have yet to say what caused president Mills' death, but Ghana's former president Jerry Rawlings told the BBC that Mr. Mills was battling cancer. He also said Mr. Mills could have lived longer had he focused more on treatment.

Ghana has earned international praise for making a quick and smooth transition of power following Mr. Mills' death Tuesday. Ratings agency Standard & Poor's said Thursday that the president's passing will have no immediate impact on Ghana's credit rating of “B,” or stable.

Mr. Mahama was sworn in hours after president Mills' death was announced Tuesday.

The presidential poll is set to take place December 7.