The search for the next United Nations secretary-general has taken a significant turn as former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet has withdrawn her candidacy. This development follows a decline in her support during an informal straw poll conducted by the UN Security Council.
Bachelet, who has served as Chile’s president twice and was the UN human rights chief, had centered her campaign on advocating for multilateralism and international law. Her decision to step back, announced on Saturday, comes as António Guterres approaches the end of his second five-year term on December 31.
The race to become the next UN secretary-general now features seven candidates, with Costa Rican diplomat Rebeca Grynspan emerging as the frontrunner in the latest informal Security Council poll. However, the field remains open for additional candidates to enter the contest.
Ultimately, the UN Security Council is responsible for recommending a candidate to the 193-member UN General Assembly, which will then formally elect the new secretary-general. As the selection process continues, the focus remains on who will take the helm of the global organization at a time of escalating international challenges.