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The United Nations Security Council kicked off the selection process for the next secretary general on Thursday, holding an initial round of informal, closed-door "straw poll" ballots to gauge support for seven candidates from Africa and Latin America.

The candidates are seeking to replace Antonio Guterres, whose second five-year term ends on December 31, 2026. The next secretary general's term would begin on January 1, 2027, according to the South China Morning Post.

The straw poll is a non-binding, secret vote conducted among the Security Council's 15 members. Each member is asked whether they "encourage," "discourage," or have "no opinion" on each candidate, as reported by the Jerusalem Post. A candidate needs nine votes to secure the position, but must also avoid a veto from any of the five permanent members.

Coverage Comparison

Both the Jerusalem Post and the South China Morning Post reported on the start of the selection process and the basic mechanics of the straw poll. The two outlets agreed on the number of candidates—seven—and the composition of the Security Council, noting its 15 members and the nine-vote threshold.

The South China Morning Post described the process neutrally, focusing on the timeline and procedural details. It noted that Guterres' term ends at the end of 2026 and that the next term starts on January 1, 2027.

The Jerusalem Post framed the story with a slightly more critical angle, describing the UN as an organization "in crisis and declining stature" that faces pressure to reform a "bloated, costly bureaucracy." It also highlighted Guterres' recent actions regarding Syria, including his recognition of the Golan Heights as part of Syria during a visit to Damascus and his call for the international community to take a more active role in mitigating Israel's involvement there.

Key Claims

  • The UN Security Council began the selection process for the next secretary general with a first "straw poll" held behind closed doors to evaluate support for candidates.
  • Antonio Guterres' term ends on December 31, 2026, and the next secretary general's term starts on January 1, 2027.
  • The Security Council has 15 members, and a candidate needs nine votes to secure the position without a veto.
  • There are seven candidates for the position, from Africa and Latin America.
  • The candidates are seeking to replace Antonio Guterres, who is stepping down after two five-year terms.
  • Guterres recognized the Golan Heights as part of Syria during a landmark visit to Damascus.
  • Guterres urged the international community to take a more active role in mitigating Israel's involvement in Syria.
The seven candidates are Michelle Bachelet of Chile, Maria Fernanda Espinosa of Ecuador, Rafael Grossi of Argentina, Rebeca Grynspan of Costa Rica, Olara Otunnu of Uganda, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett of Guyana, and Macky Sall of Senegal, as listed by the South China Morning Post.

There is no clear front-runner, and historical precedent suggests multiple rounds of polling could continue through the summer, possibly concluding in late September or early October, according to the Jerusalem Post. The process could take longer if no consensus candidate emerges.

The straw polls are informal and non-binding, with only Security Council members present during the exercise. The outcome of this first round was not disclosed in the reports.

Perspectives

  • Jerusalem Post: Emphasizes the UN's challenges, including a "crisis" and "declining stature," and highlights Guterres' recent actions on Syria, framing the selection process against this backdrop.
  • South China Morning Post: Presents the selection process in a neutral, fact-focused manner, detailing the timeline and procedural aspects without editorial commentary.