Biden Win To Cost US Candidate WTO Job As Trump Defeat Boost Okonjo-Iweala's Chances

The World Trade Organisation (WTO) has postponed the announcement of a new Director-General amid increased chances of Nigeria's representative, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, clinching the position, against the wish of current United States President, Donald Trump.

WTO had slated November 9, 2020, as the period for its announcement, but ambassador David Walker, the chair of the WTO General Council, has now postponed the declaration until further notice despite Okonjo-Iweala being the most favoured candidates.

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Okonjo-Iweala is contesting with Yoo Myung-hee of South Korea, who has the backing of Trump. The new Director-General will not be known for now according to a statement from WTO, “The general council meeting scheduled for November 9 to consider the appointment of the next WTO director-general has been postponed.

“Ambassador David Walker, the chair of the General Council, informed members of the decision on November 6. Walker said the meeting would be postponed until further notice, during which time he would continue undertaking consultations with delegations.”

Trump Defeat Increases Okonjo-Iweala's Chances

Okonjo-Iweala received the support of 110 members of WTO out of 164 members, but she needs the support of all members of the WTO despite being backed by the European Union, Japan, and many other key countries. The WTO's rules state that a candidate must be unanimously voted for or supported to become the WTO DG.

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Prior to the U.S. election, Trump's administration kicked against Okonjo-Iweala's emergence as the WTO's DG, but with his loss at the presidential poll to Joe Biden, Okonjo-Iweala might just edge Myung-hee in the race to become the WTO Director-General.

Biden hasn't revealed his choice, and he won't be sworn in as U.S. President until next year, but his victory has reduced the influence of Trump on the outcome of the WTO Director-General position, as Biden is expected to oppose Trump, just like Biden has stated that he will be rejoining the Paris Climate Agreement Trump withdrew the U.S. from.