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Nigeria has presided over key elections at the United Nations General Assembly’s Fifth Committee, with candidates from Mauritania and Israel securing appointments to two UN bodies during the Assembly’s 81st session.
The elections were conducted under the chairmanship of Nigeria’s permanent representative to the UN, Ambassador Jimoh Ibrahim.
C.D. Mohammed of Mauritania was recommended as chair of the International Civil Service Commission after securing 102 votes, defeating Zimbabwe’s Mrs Maria, who polled 82.
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Mohammed obtained the required majority of 93 votes and was recommended to the General Assembly for designation to a four-year term beginning Jan. 1, 2027.
Israel’s candidate, Shai Mazai, secured 134 votes to emerge as the recommended candidate from the Group of Western European and Other States to the Independent Audit Advisory Committee.
The Fifth Committee recommended his appointment for a three-year term beginning on the same date.
In a move aimed at ensuring transparency, Ibrahim directed that the ballot boxes be opened before voting began, allowing delegates to verify them before ballots were collected.
The elections formed part of the committee’s consideration of Agenda Item 119, which covers appointments to fill vacancies in subsidiary organs and other appointments.
Other bodies considered during the exercise included the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions, the Committee on Contributions and the Investment Committee.
Candidates from other regional groups for positions on the International Civil Service Commission were recommended by acclamation, as there were no contested nominations for the respective seats.
At the conclusion of the exercise, Ibrahim commended delegates for their patience, cooperation and commitment to the electoral process.
He congratulated those recommended for appointment and urged them to uphold the integrity of the Fifth Committee in discharging their responsibilities.
The Nigerian diplomat also noted the contributions of tellers and officials nominated by member states to supervise the elections.
Ibrahim subsequently declared the committee’s consideration of Agenda Item 119 concluded and requested the Rapporteur to communicate its decisions to the General Assembly for further action.
