updated: 23 February, 2009
IFAD
About IFAD
International Fund for Agricultural Development

Transparent and open election process

The election was informed by membership efforts to enhance the openness and transparency of the process. Raising awareness of the call for nominations by member states contributed to a choice of six qualified candidates. 

With a commitment to merit-based appointments, IFAD’s member states joined together in introducing for the first time an open membership meeting with all candidates. This took place on 23 January, just over a month after the close of nominations.

It provided a fair and transparent way for all candidates to present their ideas to IFAD’s membership and respond to questions. Each candidate was allocated 45 minutes, with 15 minutes for a presentation and up to 30 minutes for questions and answers.

Members from across all Lists (List A, List B and List C) found it to be an extremely useful opportunity to meet with candidates and felt that it contributed to a more transparent selection process.

theoNone of this would have happened without the conviction of Theo van Banning, Executive Board Director of the Netherlands and Convenor of List A last year. He firmly believed that the most important act of IFAD’s membership was the selection of its President. He maintained that, in the best interests of IFAD and the rural poor people it serves, the focus should be on merit in order to select the best person for the job.

Theo advocated greater awareness of the election to encourage as wide a number of candidates as possible. In order then to promote transparency and inform member states in their decision-making processes, Theo helped to put forward the idea of holding the membership meeting with all candidates to provide an opportunity for open dialogue.

When Theo so suddenly and unexpectedly passed away on 16 December 2008, the entire membership was shocked. Theo was a special colleague and friend, whose commitment and integrity was much respected. All appreciated just how much Theo worked towards introducing a more open and transparent process for an election based on merit.

It is a tribute to Theo that this landmark meeting took place. Member States have joined together and set a precedent in improving the process leading up to the election of IFAD’s President, underlining the importance of open, merit-based appointments at all levels and providing an example across the international system.