An unexpectedly smooth election saw the US-backed, Colombian candidate Luis Alberto Moreno win the Inter American Development Bank's presidency on Wednesday. Moreno is Colombia's ambassador to the US and observers had thought that his close ties with Washington would prevent him from winning the vote.
Instead, the finance ministers, central bank governors and senior officials, who cast their ballot behind closed doors, made a quick decision. "He reached a majority in the first vote," said an IADB source. "It was very clear." According to the source, support from Central American and Caribbean countries clinched the vote and prevented a drawn out contest with Brazil's candidate, former planning minister Joao Sayad.
Speaking after the election, Moreno credited support from the Colombian president for his success. "I want to thank President Uribe for his leadership. He was permanently on the telephone over the last five weeks," Moreno said. "The victory is due to him."
Uribe applauded Moreno's victory and said the diplomat would help the IADB "fight the poverty which affects our continent so greatly."