All seven candidates seeking to become the next United Nations secretary-general have faced opposition from at least two permanent members of the Security Council, complicating the selection process.
The latest informal poll, held on Friday, October 16, showed that no candidate had secured the backing of all five veto-wielding countries: the United States, Russia, China, Britain and France.
Costa Rica’s former vice president, Rebeca Grynspan, maintained her lead with nine “encourage” votes, five “discourage” votes and one member expressing no opinion. However, two of her opposing votes came from permanent Security Council members.
Leading Candidates Face Major Hurdles
Argentina’s Rafael Grossi and Guyana’s Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett also emerged among the leading contenders. Both received eight encouraging votes and six discouraging votes, including opposition from two permanent members.
For the first time in the selection process, colour-coded ballots distinguished votes cast by the five permanent members from those of the council’s 10 elected members. Consequently, diplomats gained a clearer understanding of which candidates faced potential vetoes.
Although the informal poll indicates support levels, a discouraging vote does not itself constitute a formal veto. Nevertheless, opposition from any permanent member could prevent the council from recommending a candidate.
New Candidates Could Enter The Race
The lack of consensus has raised the possibility of additional candidates entering the competition if the existing contenders cannot secure broader support.
The next secretary-general will succeed António Guterres, whose second term ends on December 31, 2026. The incoming leader will face several challenges, including international conflicts, financial pressures and calls for organisational reform.
Under the selection procedure, the Security Council must recommend a candidate who receives at least nine votes from its 15 members without opposition from any permanent member. The General Assembly then appoints the secretary-general following the council’s recommendation.
With the deadline approaching, negotiations among major powers are expected to play a crucial role in determining who leads the international organisation next.
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