UN Security Council launches first secret straw poll to narrow Secretary-General field
The Security Council held its initial closed-door straw poll on Thursday, measuring backing for the seven candidates vying to replace Antonio Guterres as UN secretary-general.
On Thursday, the United Nations Security Council conducted its opening informal straw poll, a confidential vote among its 15 members to assess support for the seven aspirants to succeed Antonio Guterres. The candidates include Rafael Grossi, Michelle Bachelet, Rebeca Grynspan, Maria Fernanda Espinosa, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, Macky Sall and Olara Otunnu, who was added to the slate last week. Council diplomats recorded whether they encourage, discourage or hold no opinion on each name, without revealing which permanent members may have cast negative votes.
Because no frontrunner is evident, additional rounds are expected, potentially extending into late September or October. The council will eventually adopt a resolution recommending a successor, requiring nine affirmative votes and no vetoes before the General Assembly formally appoints the new secretary-general. Zenon Mukongo Ngay, the council’s current president, confirmed the timing and inclusion of Otunnu despite his pending informal hearing.
Why it matters
The poll determines who will lead the UN, influencing its ability to reform and address global challenges.
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