29 May 2007
Demands join a chorus of voices from civil society and beyond expressing concerns about the antiquated system through which the United States effectively appoints the President.
Australian Prime Minister John Howard's office called for an "open, merit-based process" on Monday May 28. Brazil's representative to the World Bank, Otaviano Canuto, made a similar demand on behalf of Finance Minister Guido Mantega last week. South African Finance Minister Trevor Manuel has also called for a democratic process.
Current President Paul Wolfowitz's resignation will become effective on June 30.
Many fear that the antiquated system through which the United States effectively appoints the President will continue, in spite of numerous calls for a more democratic selection process. Rumor is that the Bush administration agreed to Paul Wolfowitz's resignation in exchange for its retention of this power.
Most recently, over 350 individuals from civil society, academia and elsewhere signed a petition calling for an overhaul of the leadership selection process. Read the letter on the New Rules for Global Finance website.
Canuto also represents Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Haiti, Panama, Philippines, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago on the Board of Directors.
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