The World Bank has formally approved Paul Wolfowitz as its president despite misgivings by some member countries over his role as the Bush administration's architect of the Iraq war.
The outcome had already been largely decided in the capitals of the bank's major shareholders before the 24-member board met in Washington for a vote.
Mr Wolfowitz will replace James Wolfensohn who steps down on May 31st after ten years at the helm of an organization that approves billions of dollars for projects that reduce poverty.
The US deputy secretary of defence was the only nominee for the job, which by informal agreement is headed by an American, while the top post of the International Monetary Fund usually goes to a European.
US-based anti-poverty activists from 50 Years is Enough, ActionAid International USA, Mobilization for Global Justice said they planned to protest outside the bank's headquarters in Washington to oppose "the one-horse race".
In London, anti-poverty campaigner Bob Geldof also slammed the selection process as "preposterous" but said he was prepared to work with Mr Wolfowitz.
"I've got reservations about the World Bank and the IMF which are far greater than any individual therein," Mr Geldof said at the launch of a new initiative by Britain's Make Poverty History campaign.
But Mr Wolfowitz's nomination was assured, with no objections, despite private disquiet among Europeans who opposed the US invasion in Iraq. He won their backing during a visit yesterday to Brussels, where he acknowledged he was a controversial figure but vowed to consult broadly with bank members.