Bachelet places fourth in first Security Council straw poll ahead of Uruguay debate
Former Chilean president Michelle Bachelet placed fourth in the Security Council's first informal poll on the candidates seeking to succeed António Guterres at the head of the United Nations, held behind closed doors in New York on Thursday.
Former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet secured fourth place in the Security Council's initial informal poll determining candidates to succeed Antonio Guterres as UN Secretary-General. Costa Rica's Rebeca Grynspan led the ballot with ten votes, followed by Guyana's Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett with nine, and Argentina's Rafael Grossi with seven.
Bachelet garnered six votes in favor, five against, and four no-opinion ballots. The outcome remains confidential, with the fifteen council members' individual votes undisclosed. Bachelet, 74, faces an unprecedented predicament as her candidacy lacks her home country's backing. Presented by former President Gabriel Boric in February alongside Mexico and Brazil, the Chilean government withdrew its support in March, citing low chances of success due to other Latin American candidates and the absence of support from the five permanent members.
Brazil and Mexico retained their support, with Brazilian diplomatic sources stating Bachelet's candidacy is a priority for President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. A coalition of former Chilean foreign ministers from various political backgrounds is assisting Bachelet in coordinating meetings with council members. The seven candidates will debate in Uruguay on Monday.
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