The United Nations Security Council has conducted its fourth non-binding straw poll as the selection process for the next UN secretary-general moves into another stage.
French Ambassador to the United Nations Jérôme Bonnafont, who is serving as president of the Security Council for September, confirmed Tuesday that the latest round of the confidential polling had been completed.
“The fourth round of straw polls has taken place. Each candidate will be informed of the results through the respective permanent representatives of nominating member states,” Bonnafont told reporters.
He added that the president of the UN General Assembly would also be informed that the latest poll had concluded, noting that seven candidates were involved in the round.
The confidential straw polls are intended to give the 15 members of the Security Council an opportunity to assess the level of support for each candidate before the process advances toward a formal recommendation.
Security Council Plays Key Role
The selection of the UN secretary-general involves both the Security Council and the General Assembly.
Under the UN Charter, the Security Council recommends a candidate to the General Assembly, which then formally appoints the secretary-general.
A candidate needs to secure at least nine votes among the 15 Security Council members to obtain the necessary support. However, the five permanent members — the United States, China, France, Russia and the United Kingdom — possess veto powers.
A veto by any one of those five countries can prevent a candidate from receiving the Council's recommendation, regardless of the candidate's support among the other members.
The straw polls are therefore viewed as an important stage in identifying candidates capable of securing sufficient support while avoiding opposition from a permanent member.
Once the Security Council reaches agreement and makes a recommendation, the General Assembly is generally expected to complete the appointment process.
Eight Candidates Nominated
Eight candidates have so far been nominated in the race to succeed current Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
They include Costa Rican diplomat Rebeca Grynspan, International Atomic Energy Agency Director General Rafael Grossi of Argentina, former Senegalese President Macky Sall and Guyana’s UN Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues Birkett.
The field also includes former UN General Assembly President Maria Fernanda Espinosa of Ecuador, former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet, Ugandan politician and diplomat Olara Otunnu and Ecuadorian diplomat Ivonne A-Baki.
Multiple reports have indicated that Grynspan was leading the race following the latest round of consultations and straw polling. However, the polls are confidential and non-binding, meaning the results do not constitute a formal selection or guarantee of the eventual outcome.
The Security Council can continue consultations and conduct further rounds of polling as member states seek to identify a candidate who can obtain the required level of support.
Guterres’ Term Nears End
The selection process comes ahead of the conclusion of Guterres’ second term as UN secretary-general.
His current term is scheduled to end on Dec. 31.
The incoming secretary-general will assume leadership of the United Nations at a time when the organization is dealing with multiple international conflicts, humanitarian crises, geopolitical tensions and debates over the effectiveness of multilateral institutions.
The selection process is consequently being closely watched by UN member states and the international diplomatic community.
The latest straw poll does not formally determine who will become the next UN chief. Instead, it provides Security Council members with an indication of the level of support for the candidates and can help shape subsequent consultations.
The eventual recommendation must receive the necessary support within the Security Council, including avoiding a veto from any of its five permanent members, before being forwarded to the General Assembly for appointment.
