Race to be next UN secretary general could rest on US and China trade-offs
Numerous possible last-minute entrants being discussed as current field of seven candidates struggle to garner support
TL;DR
- The race for the new UN secretary general has seen multiple rounds of secret ballots without a clear frontrunner among the seven candidates.
- Late entrants such as Lana Nusseibeh and Sigrid Kaag are being discussed, adding to the complexity of the selection process.
- The successful candidate requires the support of nine of the 15 Security Council members, with no veto from the five permanent members (France, UK, China, Russia, US).
- Geopolitical divisions, particularly between the US and China, are expected to play a significant role in the final decision.
- Public opinion surveys indicate strong trust in the UN, but also a lack of awareness regarding the selection process.
- Rebeca Grynspan of Costa Rica currently leads in straw polls, but faces potential opposition from Russia and China.
- Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett of Guyana and María Fernanda Espinosa of Ecuador are also viable contenders, with their prospects dependent on Security Council member support.
- Michelle Bachelet has withdrawn from the race after receiving minimal encouragement in the latest poll.