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Secret votes and vetoes: How will the next UN chief be picked?

Secret votes and vetoes: How will the next UN chief be picked?

Summary

The UN Security Council is holding informal polls to choose a candidate for the next secretary-general, with Antonio Guterres due to step down on December 31. The council must recommend a candidate who wins at least nine votes and faces no veto from its five permanent members; the General Assembly then votes on the nomination.

Key Facts

  • Eight candidates are seeking the post.
  • Candidates include Rebeca Grynspan, Rafael Grossi, and Lana Nusseibeh.
  • The Security Council has 15 members: five permanent members and 10 elected members.
  • China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States hold veto power.
  • In informal polls, council members indicate whether they encourage or discourage a candidate, or have no opinion.
  • Later polls use coloured ballots to distinguish votes from permanent and elected members.
  • The General Assembly has never rejected a candidate recommended by the Security Council.
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