Kathmandu, April 29
The Nepali government has initiated a move to appoint ambassadors through open competition for the first time.
In the past, ambassadors were appointed either from among Foreign Ministry officials or based on recommendations from ruling parties. However, the present government is breaking with tradition by pursuing open competitive appointments.
According to sources in the Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal’s secretariat, a certain number of positions will be advertised, and candidates selected through competition will be appointed as ambassadors.
At a meeting of joint secretaries held at the Foreign Ministry on Monday, Minister Khanal mentioned that he was considering appointing some ambassadors through open competition, though he did not specify an exact date for when the advertisement would be published.
“At the meeting, Minister Khanal informed attendees that he had already received the Prime Minister’s consent to advertise the vacant positions,” a source said, adding that it appeared the ministry was preparing to open applications soon.
A member of Minister Khanal’s secretariat indicated that an open call for applications could be issued as early as next week.
Under the Ambassador Appointment Directive 2075, at least 50 percent of total ambassador positions must be filled by career diplomats (Foreign Ministry staff) and the remaining 50 percent through political appointments.
Nepal currently has 44 missions abroad, comprising 34 embassies and 10 consulate offices. At present, 17 ambassador positions are vacant, including in India, China, the United States, and the United Kingdom. Ambassadors appointed during the KP Sharma Oli-led government have been recalled by both the subsequent Sushila Karki-led government, formed after the Gen-Z movement, and the current Balen Shah-led government, formed after the March 5 elections.
By the end of July, six more ambassador positions will fall vacant, as the terms of ambassadors to Brazil, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Austria, Oman, and Egypt are coming to an end. The current government will then have the opportunity to appoint as many as 24 ambassadors at once.
