The first informal United Nations straw poll placed Rebeca Grynspan in the lead as diplomats began selecting the next UN secretary-general. The confidential voting process started on Thursday inside the UN Security Council.
Diplomatic sources said Grynspan, a former Costa Rican vice-president and current head of the UN Conference on Trade and Development, secured the strongest initial support. Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, Guyana’s former foreign minister, ranked second, while International Atomic Energy Agency chief Rafael Grossi finished third.
Early voting signals race remains open
The Security Council held the first straw poll to measure support among seven declared candidates. However, diplomats stressed that the early results do not guarantee the final outcome.
Four women and three men are competing to succeed António Guterres, whose second five-year term ends on December 31, 2026. Meanwhile, nominations remain open, allowing additional candidates to join the contest.
The remaining candidates include Michelle Bachelet of Chile, Maria Fernanda Espinosa of Ecuador, Olara Otunnu of Uganda, and Macky Sall of Senegal. Although Grossi enjoys broad international recognition, observers say the race remains highly competitive.
Next voting rounds could prove decisive
Security Council President Zenon Ngay Mukongo confirmed that members will hold a second straw poll in the coming days. Therefore, candidates will continue seeking broader diplomatic backing.
The council’s five permanent members, the United States, Russia, China, France, and the United Kingdom, have not publicly revealed their preferences. Any successful candidate needs at least nine council votes while avoiding a veto from any permanent member. After clearing those hurdles, the General Assembly will formally confirm the next UN secretary-general.
