US and Russia condemn UNGA president Baerbock for exceeding authority in SG race

Both American and Russian officials charged UN General Assembly president Annalena Baerbock with exceeding the authority granted by Article 97 of the UN Charter in the ongoing secretary-general selection. At a July 23 town-hall, Baerbock asked attendees to score six unnamed candidates, a move that surprised candidates and observers alike, and subsequently asked the Security Council to disregard those who failed to attend her dialogues.

U.S. alternative representative Jennifer Locetta described the exercise as unfair, untransparent and without precedent, while Russia has opposed Baerbock from the start due to her firm stance on the Ukraine war. The article notes that the Security Council still conducts closed straw polls, with Guyana’s Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett currently leading a narrow vote, and that new entrants such as Ecuadorian diplomat Ivonne Baki may still join the race. Baerbock’s term ends on Sept. 8, and critics argue she should leave candidate vetting to the council, which retains the sole authority to recommend a nominee to the General Assembly.