UN Security Council to hold key vote on Guterres successor

The United Nations Security Council is set to vote on the successor to Antonio Guterres as UN secretary-general in a crucial second round of informal balloting. The race features eight candidates, including five women, with Rebecca Grynspan currently leading after the initial round. The 15 members of the Security Council will convene in a closed session on Friday, evaluating each candidate with limited options: "encourage," "discourage," or "no opinion."

The outcome of the vote will determine the next leader of the UN, which is facing significant challenges, such as declining multilateralism, internal divisions, and financial difficulties. To secure the nomination, a candidate must garner support from a minimum of nine members, without any veto from the five permanent Council members.

If successful, the chosen individual will then present their name to the General Assembly for confirmation. Traditionally, the next secretary-general comes from Latin America, and there is speculation that this round could result in the historic first female leader. The candidates include Rebecca Grynspan, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, Rafael Grossi, Michelle Bachelet, María Fernanda Espinosa, Olara Otunnu, Macky Sall, and Ivonne A-Baki, each representing a diverse range of nations.