Senior Journalist Pushpa Raj Pradhan Urges Care in Use of Diplomatic and Constitutional Titles

Dragon Media Correspondent

Senior journalist and People’s Review editor Pushpa Raj Pradhan has urged journalists to exercise particular care when using expressions such as “acting ambassador” and “acting prime minister” in news reports.

In a Facebook post, Pradhan said that although such expressions may appear convenient, they can create misunderstanding about a person’s actual diplomatic or constitutional status.

According to Pradhan, the internationally recognised diplomatic title for a diplomat temporarily heading an embassy in the absence of an ambassador is generally “Chargé d’Affaires ad interim,” commonly abbreviated as “Chargé d’Affaires a.i.”

He argued that referring to such an official as an “acting ambassador” does not accurately reflect formal diplomatic terminology. While the expressions may appear similar in ordinary language, they differ in terms of diplomatic status, appointment procedures and protocol.

Pradhan noted that an ambassador-designate formally assumes the role after presenting letters of credence to the head of the receiving state. A Chargé d’Affaires a.i., however, does not present such credentials and instead temporarily manages the functions of the embassy in the ambassador’s absence.

He said similar caution is required when using the term “acting prime minister.” A person does not automatically become an acting prime minister merely because the incumbent prime minister is temporarily absent, he said.

According to Pradhan, the appropriate terminology depends on the constitution, laws and formal delegation of authority applicable in the country concerned. A deputy prime minister or senior minister may be assigned to discharge certain duties of the prime minister during the latter’s absence, but this should not automatically be understood as assuming the constitutional office of prime minister.

Pradhan emphasised that terminology in journalism is not simply a matter of language or style. Diplomatic and constitutional titles indicate legal status, authority and institutional position.

He therefore urged journalists to verify an official’s formally recognised status before using such titles, saying accurate terminology strengthens the credibility of news reporting and helps prevent diplomatic or constitutional misunderstanding.