Downside of Open, Merit-Based Selection Process for World Bank President?

(This is a joint posting by David Wheeler and Nancy Birdsall)Our survey on the selection of the new World Bank president solicits views on replacement of the current selection process by one that is “open, competitive and merit-based, without regard to nationality.” These principles reflect the view expressed in an open letter signed by more than 330 people from many development-related organizations--including both of us.We agree fully with these principles; the practical question is how to incorporate them into a workable system. Consider, for example, the potential refusal of highly-qualified candidates to submit themselves to an initial round of public scrutiny and commentary. Is this a realistic concern? In fact, it happened yesterday in the “virtual competition” offered by our online survey exercise. One eminent candidate urgently requested removal from the list as soon as he learned that he had been named. In simulating a process of “open, competitive, merit-based selection,” we have already learned that things are not so simple. To attract the best people, the international community may have to empower a selection panel to communicate privately with potential candidates. These are only preliminary thoughts; more to come as the survey proceeds.(Meanwhile, if you have not yet done so, please take the survey and tell us what approach to selecting the World Bank president you think is best!)