United nations: The United Nations Security Council conducted a second informal straw poll to evaluate the popularity of candidates vying to replace Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who will conclude his second five-year term at the end of this year. Eight candidates are competing for the position amidst significant divisions within the organization.
According to France24.com, Guyanese ex-foreign minister Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett narrowly led the second round, as reported by a diplomatic source and specialist media. In contrast, Costa Rica's Rebeca Grynspan, who was the front-runner in the previous month's poll, slipped slightly to second place. Argentina's Rafael Mariano Grossi, head of the UN nuclear watchdog, came in third. Other notable candidates include Chile's Michelle Bachelet, Ecuador's Maria Fernanda Espinosa, Uganda's Olara Otunnu, and Senegal's Macky Sall.
The Security Council, the UN's most powerful body, held the straw poll on Friday to assess the growing field of contenders for the top position. The process involves a secret ballot by the 15-member council. Despite the informal nature of these polls, they play a crucial role in shaping the council's recommendation for the future Secretary-General, who must garner at least nine votes without facing a veto from any of the five permanent members.
Rebeca Grynspan, the former vice president of Costa Rica and leader of UNCTAD, took leave from her duties to campaign for the Secretary-General role. Known for brokering the Black Sea Grain Initiative between Moscow and Kyiv, Grynspan has expressed concerns about the UN becoming what she describes as a "risk-conservative organization."
Michelle Bachelet, a former Chilean president and UN rights chief, has a history of advocating for human rights, which has sometimes led to tensions with major powers. She emphasizes that the UN Secretary-General should possess the "moral voice" to lead.
Maria Fernanda Espinosa, a former foreign minister of Ecuador and past president of the UN General Assembly, advocates for reform within the UN. She proposes an "early warning" system to identify signs of impending conflict.
Rafael Mariano Grossi, who leads the International Atomic Energy Agency, has been deeply involved in global nuclear challenges. Grossi has not stepped down from his current role to campaign for Secretary-General, citing a commitment to his duties.
Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, the former foreign minister of Guyana, emphasizes the need for the UN to restore its global credibility. Her approach highlights the organization's broader impact beyond peace and security.
Ivonne A-Baki, an Ecuadoran diplomat with significant diplomatic experience, entered the race after the initial round of voting. Known for her role in brokering dialogue between Ecuador and Peru, A-Baki has a strong network of international connections.
Macky Sall, the former Senegalese president and current chair of the African Union, emphasizes the link between peace and development. Despite controversies related to political demonstrations in Senegal, Sall has received backing from his own country.
Olara Otunnu, with extensive experience in UN roles related to children and armed conflict, also brings a wealth of diplomatic expertise to the table. His candidacy reflects a long-standing commitment to international diplomacy and peace efforts.