UNITED NATIONS: Guyana’s Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett has emerged as the leading candidate in the race to become the next United Nations secretary-general, according to the latest informal Security Council poll, as the contest to succeed António Guterres enters a crucial stage.

Rodrigues-Birkett secured eight “encourage” votes in the latest straw poll, narrowly ahead of Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan, who received seven.

Guterres’ second and final term expires on December 31, 2026, with his successor expected to begin a five-year term on January 1, 2027.

The latest poll suggests the race remains wide open, with several candidates still seeking support from the Security Council’s 15 members.

Among those in contention are International Atomic Energy Agency chief Rafael Grossi of Argentina, former Chilean president Michelle Bachelet, former Ecuadorian foreign minister María Fernanda Espinosa, former Senegalese president Macky Sall, Ugandan diplomat Olara Otunnu and Ecuadorian candidate Ivonne Baki.

Rodrigues-Birkett and Grynspan have gained particular attention as the strongest contenders in the latest round. Their candidacies also carry the possibility of a historic breakthrough, as both are women from Latin America and the Caribbean.

If either candidate is ultimately selected, she would become the first woman to serve as UN secretary-general since the organisation was established in 1945.

The selection process, however, remains uncertain. The UN Security Council must eventually recommend a candidate to the General Assembly, which formally appoints the secretary-general.

The five permanent Security Council members — the United States, United Kingdom, France, Russia and China — hold veto power, making their support critical to any candidate seeking the top UN post.

While the informal polls provide an indication of the candidates’ standing, they do not determine the final outcome.

With negotiations expected to intensify in the coming months, Rodrigues-Birkett currently appears to have the momentum, but the race remains far from settled.

Photo Credit — United Nations