The World Bank has incessantly expressed its intention and commitment to ensuring that the selection of the World Bank president is merit based, open and transparent where all candidates are given an opportunity to prove their proficiency for the job. The candidates that are susceptible for selection as nominees for the position of the World Bank are expected to meet certain criterion for them to be considered for the various positions. The candidates should have previously held and worked in various leadership positions for instance the leadership of large organizations or experience working in the public sector. Furthermore, given the democratic nature of being the Word Bank president, candidates are expected to exhibit regard and commitment to multilateral cooperation. The possession of excellent diplomatic and communication techniques in addition to objectivity and conflict resolution skills is vital for a candidate who seeks consideration for the position. The nominees are then appointed by at least 50% majority of the members of the Executive Directors Board.
As has been the norm for the past years, World Bank presidents that have been selected have predominantly been American with the last 12 presidents not only being American citizens but also being American leaders in a wide array of capacities. The dominance of the US in securing the highly coveted position begs the question of whether the process of selection is truly free and fair as is claimed by the organization. It however is reasonable as to why the United States should have more say as to who should lead the World Bank.
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The World Bank which was intended for provision of funds for reconstruction after World War 1 was established upon funds and capital for which the United States was the largest contributor given its monetary reserves. To add to this, the possession of more shares during the formation of the World Bank delineates to the fact that the US possesses the most voting shares in the organization which gives it a virtual veto power to choose the leader that Americans deem fit, an American. Furthermore, during the formation of the World Bank, the institution was formed aside the International Monetary Fund, both intended to help countries recuperate from the adverse effects of the World War. To this effect therefore, an informal agreement was made that a US nominee would be appointed to head the World Bank while a European citizen would head the International Monetary fund. Additionally, research points to the fact that open candidacy to the position would breed more contention and conflict which is dangerous given the nature of the business that is carried out by the World Bank.
David Malpass was selected by the US president, Donald Trump, to head the World Bank after the resignation of the sitting president of the organization, Jim Yong Kim after he tendered his resignation. Malpass has been appointed from his previous position as the Treasury Department Undersecretary for International Affairs, which reveals the fact that the candidate has experience working in the public sector. The candidate chosen is an ideal candidate given the fact that he has often directly criticized the World Bank and its previous leaders, therefore prompting curiosity over how efficient and successful an organization he will make the World Bank. However, critics claim that the candidate is an open enemy of multilateralism therefore questioning the logic behind his leadership of the World Bank, an organization that prides itself in multilateralism and being liberal in its quest to rid the world of poverty.
