UN Security Council holds first straw poll for next secretary-general
The UN Security Council began the formal process to choose a successor to Antonio Guterres with a first straw poll among seven candidates: Michelle Bachelet, Maria Fernanda Espinosa, Rafael Grossi, Rebeca Grynspan, Olara Otunnu, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett and Macky Sall. Four women and three men are running to fill the post when Guterres leaves in 2026. Council members marked each candidate as encourage, discourage or no opinion in an anonymous vote, with later ballots to be colored to reveal potential vetoes by the five permanent members; candidates need nine votes and no P5 veto to reach the General Assembly.
Council held a first straw poll among seven secretary-general candidates
Context
Antonio Guterres will finish his term on December 31, 2026. The Security Council started straw polls to test candidate support. The process could continue with more votes and eventual General Assembly confirmation.
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