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United Nations Secretary-General race intensifies among eight candidates
The race to succeed António Guterres as United Nations Secretary-General is intensifying ahead of his term ending on December 31, 2026. Following two rounds of informal voting by the Security Council, three candidates have emerged as frontrunners: Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett of Guyana, who led the second vote with 8 votes; Rebeca Grynspan of Costa Rica; and Rafael Grossi of Argentina, who secured 7 votes.
To be appointed, a candidate must secure at least nine votes and avoid a veto from any of the five permanent members of the Security Council: the United States, Russia, China, France, and the United Kingdom. This requirement has created significant geopolitical friction. Reports indicate that the United States administration reportedly opposes Michelle Bachelet due to her perceived closeness to China, while Russia and the United Kingdom have expressed reservations regarding Rafael Grossi.
Other candidates in the race include Michelle Bachelet, María Fernanda Espinosa, Macky Sall, Olara Otunnu, and Ivonne Baki. The final selection process, involving a Security Council recommendation and a General Assembly vote, is expected to conclude between September and October 2026, with the new leader assuming office on January 1, 2027.
Entities
Antonio Guterres · Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett · Rafael Grossi · Rebeca Grynspan · UNRWA · United Nations
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Russia reportedly shows little enthusiasm for Rafael Grossi due to the IAEA's stance on Iran and Ukraine. www.lanacion.cl
- [● 4 SOURCES] In a second informal Security Council vote, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett received 8 votes. www.fasoamazone.net · corta.com · nuevospapeles.com · u-238.com.ar
- [● 2 SOURCES] The US administration reportedly opposes Michelle Bachelet due to her proximity to China. www.elinformadorchile.cl · www.lanacion.cl
- [● 3 SOURCES] Rafael Grossi received 7 votes in the second informal vote. corta.com · nuevospapeles.com · u-238.com.ar
- [● 5 SOURCES] António Guterres will leave his post as UN Secretary-General on December 31, 2026. www.fasoamazone.net · corta.com · neweralive.na · nuevospapeles.com · u-238.com.ar
- [● 4 SOURCES] The next Secretary-General is expected to take office on January 1, 2027. www.fasoamazone.net · corta.com · nuevospapeles.com · u-238.com.ar
- [● 3 SOURCES] A candidate must obtain at least nine votes and avoid a veto from any of the five permanent Security Council members. corta.com · valor.globo.com · www.negocios.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Rebeca Grynspan received 7 votes in the second informal vote. u-238.com.ar