MILAN, April 18 (Reuters) - Mondrian Investment Partners, which holds 1.7% of Enel shares, added its voice on Tuesday to shareholder criticism over the process of renewing the board of Italy's biggest utility.

The Italian government, which controls Enel with a stake of nearly 24%, last week said it would oust Francesco Starace, who has been the utility's chief executive since 2014.

"We have been extremely disappointed by the complete lack of transparency around the nomination process and criteria, as well as by the absence of engagement on behalf of the Italian government despite our best efforts to initiate a constructive dialogue," Mondrian said in a statement.

Rome proposed replacing Starace with Flavio Cattaneo, currently executive vice president of high-speed train operator Italo, and put forward Paolo Scaroni, a former Enel and Eni CEO, as chairman.

London-based hedge fund Covalis Capital on Monday presented an alternative list of candidates for Enel's board, challenging the names indicated by the government.

Italy's Treasury declined to comment on the issue. (Reporting by Francesca Landini; Editing by Cristina Carlevaro and Alexander Smith)