Brazil's representative at the World Bank yesterday challenged the tradition by which the US decides who will be the bank's president. In a note to colleagues, Brazil argued that the board be allowed to chose between more than one candidate, based on merit.

Otaviano Canuto's proposal comes sharp on the heels of a board battle that culminated in the resignation of Paul Wolfowitz, bank president, who will leave the bank on June 30. Mr Wolfowitz has given up almost all executive functions and the day-to-day running of the bank was transferred on Monday to its six most senior remaining managers.