What Would Happen If Ambassadors Are Selected Through Open Competition?
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The government led by Prime Minister Walendra Shah ‘Balen’ has publicly announced preparations to appoint Nepalese ambassadors through open competition, a move that has sparked various criticisms.
Two experienced former ambassadors speaking to media described this initiative as potentially “harmful” and “impractical.” They suggest that improving the current system of political appointments would be a more appropriate path forward.
Currently, about 50% of Nepal’s ambassadors are career diplomats who rise through ranks within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, while the remaining 50% are appointed based on political considerations.
The current government has not disclosed the exact percentage of ambassadors it plans to appoint through open competition. Sources from the Foreign Ministry say that this decision will be finalized at the highest levels.
Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal is actively engaged in drafting the appointment criteria, with advertisements expected to be released within the next week.
At present, Nepalese embassies in 17 countries including India, China, the United States, and the United Kingdom are without appointed ambassadors.
‘It Could Be Harmful’
Nepal’s former ambassador to India, Nilambar Acharya, believes that appointing ambassadors through open competition would not be an appropriate approach.
“This could also be harmful. Career diplomats, who start as section officers in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and rise through the ranks, usually become ambassadors. They have amassed years of experience,” Acharya told media.
“They are appointed based on trust that they will contribute to strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries.”
However, Acharya pointed out that this may not hold true for candidates coming through open competition.
“Such appointments start to resemble regular jobs without being based on trust. While some outstanding individuals may emerge, others who may cause harm are also possible,” he added.
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‘The Right Candidates May Not Come Forward’
Foreign affairs experts have highlighted the risk that suitable individuals may not apply if ambassadorial posts are opened up via applications.
Former Ambassador to Nepal, Lokraj Baral, doubts that truly dedicated candidates would apply for ambassadorial positions.
“There will be applicants, but individuals with self-respect, prestige, and active experience are unlikely to show such enthusiasm,” Baral said in an interview.
Acharya agrees with this view, stating, “The post of ambassador is sensitive, responsible, and crucial. Searching through such a method makes it difficult to find suitable candidates.”
‘Lack of Chemistry’
Former ambassadors say that ambassadors are typically trusted confidants of the ruling government, and political affiliations influence appointments.
“Ambassadors are people trusted by the government in power at that time. If appointed through open competition, that personal rapport (chemistry) vanishes and the process becomes mechanical,” Acharya explained.
Baral also advocates appointing trustworthy individuals either from career diplomats or through political appointments.
“Political parties tend to place their trusted people when they take power, which is also necessary for them,” he said.
“However, when bringing someone from outside, it is uncertain who they are, and trust has to be built again.”
‘Need for Gradual Reform’
Former ambassadors emphasize that the solution lies in gradually improving the existing system.
They suggest correcting deficiencies in political appointments and increasing the proportion of appointments drawn from Foreign Ministry staff.
“Political appointments should be limited, and as many appointments as possible made from the Foreign Service, with capable employees selected from the start, as in India,” Baral said.
Acharya, too, recommends prioritizing Foreign Ministry staff for appointments through open competition, as they normally enter through civil service exams.
“If appointments are made through competition, increasing the current 50% share of the Foreign Service is appropriate,” he said.
Acharya emphasizes the need for reform, citing the current system’s excessive politicization and tendency to appoint loyalists over qualified individuals.
“The appointed person must be competent and capable. Appointments should be guided by merit. In my view, priority should be given to the position and responsibilities — and those making the appointments must determine that,” he said.
He calls for advancing by reforming the flawed system. “While some good people have been appointed, a lot of improvement is needed. However, the current push for open competition could be misguided. The government should reconsider this approach,” Acharya stated.
Baral asserts that ambassadorial appointments can be improved via open competition because the current appointments are heavily politicized and often neglect merit.
“If criteria are set to select qualified, educated, and internationally savvy individuals, this could be beneficial,” he added.