The United Nations Security Council is set to commence secret voting on July 30 to select the next UN Secretary-General, following the end of António Guterres’ current term on December 31, 2026.
The 15-member council will conduct multiple rounds of secret ballots until one candidate secures at least nine votes without a veto from any of the five permanent members: the United States, Britain, China, France, and Russia.
Candidates in the Race
- Olara Otunnu (Uganda)
- Michelle Bachelet (Chile)
- Maria Fernanda Espinosa (Ecuador)
- Rafael Grossi (Argentina)
- Rebeca Grynspan (Costa Rica)
- Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett (Guyana)
- Macky Sall (Senegal)
The process begins with a "straw poll" where council members privately indicate preferred candidates, allowing a preliminary assessment of support levels. Subsequent rounds of voting will continue until one nominee emerges with the necessary backing and no vetoes.
Once the Security Council agrees on a candidate, the nomination will be forwarded to the UN General Assembly for formal approval. The appointed Secretary-General will assume office on January 1, 2027, for a five-year term.
Notable Candidate Background
Olara Otunnu, the latest entrant, is a former Ugandan opposition presidential candidate and diplomat who previously served as Uganda’s ambassador to the UN and briefly as foreign minister. He contested Uganda’s 2011 presidential election but was defeated by incumbent President Yoweri Museveni.
The candidates recently participated in a televised debate as part of the lead-up to the selection process.
