Grynspan pulls ahead in race to lead UN

Costa Rica's Rebeca Grynspan, a veteran diplomat heading the UN's trade and development body, UNCTAD, is leading the race to succeed outgoing UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. Grynspan has emerged victorious in three out of four informal Security Council straw polls, but faces the risk of a veto from the five permanent members.

Seven candidates, four women and three men, are vying for the position. Grynspan received 10 favorable votes and three negative votes in the latest round, with two indicating no opinion. Fellow candidates include Guyana's Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett and Argentina's Rafael Grossi. The Security Council's straw poll aims to break deadlocks caused by vetoes, but even if a candidate secures the necessary nine votes from the 15-member body, they must avoid a veto to be confirmed by the General Assembly.