Grynspan stays ahead in sixth UN Secretary General vote, but two veto powers say no

The United Nations Security Council concluded its sixth vote on Friday to select the next Secretary General, with Costa Rica's Rebeca Grynspan leading the race. Grynspan secured nine encouraging votes and five discouraging ones, including two from permanent members. Argentina's Rafael Grossi and Guyana's Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett each received eight encouraging votes and six discouraging votes, facing opposition from two permanent members.

Panamanian President Jose Mulino, a non-permanent Security Council member, declared Panama would support Grossi.

For the first time, council members used color-coded ballots, distinguishing permanent members' votes from those of the 10 elected members. Minh-Thu Pham, a former adviser to former Secretary General Kofi Annan, said the vote revealed no convergence among the five permanent members, indicating a path for new candidates. Grynspan remained the frontrunner, but discouraging votes aren't equivalent to vetoes. Pham noted the gap between the top three candidates had narrowed significantly.

No candidates withdrew, and no new candidates entered the race after Friday's vote. Grynspan told Reuters she expected new names to join the race. US Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz emphasized Washington's desire for a Secretary General focused on the UN's core mandate and efficiency. Waltz downplayed the importance of regional rotation and gender, stating Washington prioritized the best candidate.

Pham expressed optimism about the council completing the selection before year-end, but warned new candidates would have a challenging path to secure broad support.