Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Sep 22
U.N. Security Council Narrows Secretary-General Race to 7 After Sept. 18 Straw Poll
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Sep 22

U.N. Security Council Narrows Secretary-General Race to 7 After Sept. 18 Straw Poll

3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Sep 22

Summary

  • Seven candidates remain in the U.N. secretary-general race after Michelle Bachelet dropped out Friday following weak support in the latest confidential straw poll.
  • Sept. 18 informal ballots by the 15-member Security Council asked whether each contender was “encouraged,” “discouraged” or drew no opinion, with leaked results expected to shape closed-door talks this week.
  • António Guterres steps down in December, and diplomats gathering during the General Assembly in New York are weighing contenders on conflict-management skills as well as cost-cutting and reform.
  • One nominee must eventually secure at least 9 Security Council votes and avoid a veto from any of the 5 permanent members before the General Assembly can confirm the choice.

Insights

With secret vetoes looming, will backroom deals block the UN from finally electing its first female Secretary-General this December?
Why does the Security Council keep its voting secret, and what hidden demands are superpowers extracting from the leading UN candidates?
As global crises mount, can a new UN chief effectively mediate conflicts when their appointment relies on concessions to divided superpowers?