def better_allele(candidate_allele, current_closest_allele,
                  examples_per_allele):
    """
    Determine whether the candidate allele is a better pan choice
    than the current closest allele
    """
    # If we do not have a closest allele right now, then candidate_allele is
    # a better allele
    if current_closest_allele == '':
        return True

    if examples_per_allele[candidate_allele] > examples_per_allele[current_closest_allele]:
        return True
    else:
        return False