Deadlock in UN succession battle could leave a vacuum

A deadlock in the United Nations succession battle over who should become secretary-general could leave a power vacuum, according to confidential documents. The current secretary-general, António Guterres, is set to leave office after his second five-year term expires on 31 December. The United States opposes him remaining in office beyond his term, even temporarily, preferring Rafael Grossi, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency.

However, Grossi faces resistance from other permanent Security Council members, including Russia. Meanwhile, several European countries, particularly the Nordic nations, favor a female secretary-general. The lack of a clear procedure in the UN Charter for extending an incumbent's tenure if no successor is agreed upon raises concerns among diplomats about the possibility of a prolonged deadlock.

This could lead to a void, affecting not only the secretary-general's office but also the appointments of senior UN officials and the exercise of responsibilities specifically entrusted to the secretary-general. The UN has faced a similar impasse before, during the tenure of the first secretary-general, Trygve Lie, when the General Assembly voted to keep him in office for an additional three years without a recommendation from the Security Council.