Costa Rica’s Grynspan tops informal poll for UN chief
The latest poll marks the fourth time former vice-president Rebeca Grynspan has emerged as the frontrunner in five rounds held since July.
Costa Rica's former Vice-President Rebeca Grynspan has emerged as the frontrunner in the race to become the next United Nations Secretary-General, following a fourth round of informal polling conducted by the UN Security Council. Seven candidates, including four women and three men, are competing to succeed UN Chief Antonio Guterres, whose term ends on December 31, 2026.
The selection process is fraught with uncertainty, as a single veto from any of the five permanent members of the 15-member Security Council can block a potential nominee. In the latest poll, held behind closed doors, Grynspan received nine "encourage" ratings, six "discourage" ratings, and zero "no opinion" ratings. This marks her fourth time leading the poll out of five rounds since July.
Argentine Rafael Grossi came in second with six "encourage" ratings, seven "discourage" ratings, and two "no opinion" ratings. Former Guyana Foreign Minister Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett secured third place. Even with a required nine votes from the Security Council, a candidate must still avoid a veto by the five permanent members to secure the top UN position.
Once confirmed, the role is traditionally rotated between different regions, with this time going to a candidate from Latin America.
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- Costa Rica’s Grynspan tops informal poll for UN chief freemalaysiatoday.com
