UN Security Council to hold first poll in race to replace Guterres when he steps down this year
Seven candidates from Africa and Latin America face the first secret, non-binding Security Council ballot as the UN begins choosing a successor to Secretary-General António Guterres
Assessment
The UN succession process has formally begun with a secret straw poll, the first procedural step in selecting the next Secretary-General. Seven candidates from Africa and Latin America are competing, reflecting the informal regional rotation system. The non-binding ballot will signal which contenders have traction and which face vetoes from permanent Council members. The outcome will shape the field ahead of a final appointment expected later this year.