UN Secretary‑General race sees Chilean ex‑foreign ministers warn of weak backing for Bachelet

The first informal poll of the United Nations Security Council on the selection of the next Secretary‑General, whose term begins in January 2027, placed former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet fourth with six votes in favour, five against and four abstentions. Former Chilean foreign ministers Heraldo Muñoz, Mariano Fernández and Ignacio Walker said the process is only beginning and highlighted that the Chilean government withdrew its official support for Bachelet in March 2026, undermining her candidacy. The poll involved the 15 members of the Security Council and eight officially nominated candidates, including representatives from Costa Rica, Guyana, Argentina, Uganda and Chile. Further informal rounds will be held before a name is forwarded to the UN General Assembly for a final decision.