UN Security Council holds fourth straw poll for Secretary-General

The United Nations Security Council conducted its fourth confidential straw poll on September 29, 2026, to gauge support for candidates seeking to succeed António Guterres as Secretary-General.

Rebeca Grynspan, the former Vice President of Costa Rica, strengthened her position by receiving ten favorable votes, three against, and two without opinion. This result marks an increase in support compared to previous rounds.

Other candidates include Rafael Grossi of Argentina, who showed significant progress by securing eight favorable votes, and Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett of Guyana, who also received eight. Macky Sall, the former president of Senegal, maintained his previous standing with five favorable votes and nine unfavorable votes.

Other participants in the race include Olara Otunnu, María Fernanda Espinosa, and Ivonne A-Baki. These indicative ballots are held behind closed doors to determine candidate viability; results are communicated to candidates through their respective permanent representatives rather than being officially published.