UN Holds Second Straw Poll for Next Chief

The UN Security Council convened on Friday for its second informal straw poll to assess candidates vying to succeed Secretary-General Antonio Guterres when his term concludes on December 31, 2026.

Council members cast secret, colour-coded ballots labelling each contender with “encourage,” “discourage,” or “no opinion.”

Following the vote, Danish Ambassador Christina Lassen, speaking for the rotating council presidency, confirmed that nominating states would receive the results directly while the body determines the timing for future polling rounds.

Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan led the candidate pool during the council’s initial straw poll last month.

A crowded field continues to pursue the position, including Rafael Grossi of Argentina, Michelle Bachelet of Chile, Maria Fernanda Espinosa, newly entered Ivonne A-Baki of Ecuador, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett of Guyana, Olara Otunnu of Uganda, and Macky Sall of Senegal.

Regional tradition suggests the top post should go to a Latin American leader, though African candidates remain in contention as diplomats navigate the early stages of selection.

To secure the nomination, a candidate must earn at least nine votes from the 15-member council without facing a veto from any of the five permanent members—Britain, China, France, Russia, and the United States.

Analysts expect the private process to push lower-ranking candidates out of the race in the coming weeks.

Russian Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia noted that a diplomatic stalemate among current contenders could easily prompt additional candidates to enter the race before the council submits a final nominee to the General Assembly for confirmation.