Former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet has decided to exit the race for the position of United Nations secretary-general after a decline in support during an informal straw poll conducted by the UN Security Council. This decision was announced by Bachelet on Saturday, effectively ending her bid to succeed the current secretary-general, António Guterres, who is set to conclude his term on December 31.
Bachelet, who served two terms as Chile’s president and previously held the position of UN human rights chief, had campaigned on a platform advocating for multilateralism and adherence to international law. Her withdrawal narrows the field to seven candidates, though more contenders could still emerge as the selection process continues.
In the most recent informal straw poll by the Security Council, Costa Rican diplomat Rebeca Grynspan emerged as the leading candidate. The Council’s recommendation will eventually be forwarded to the UN General Assembly, which comprises 193 member nations, where the final decision on the new secretary-general will be made.
The selection process for the UN’s top diplomatic role is closely watched, as it influences the direction of the organization’s efforts on global issues such as peacekeeping, human rights, and sustainable development. With Bachelet stepping aside, the remaining candidates will continue to vie for the influential position as the process unfolds.