Ex-Chilean president Bachelet withdraws bid to be UN chief

By the Editorial Team · Monday, September 21, 2026

Former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet has withdrawn her bid for United Nations Secretary-General, citing unfavorable timing for her campaign. Her candidacy brought attention to the need for a female leader from Latin America, a region traditionally next in line for the position under the UN's regional rotation.

Former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet has withdrawn her candidacy for the position of United Nations Secretary-General. She announced the decision on Saturday via Instagram, noting that the timing may not have been right for the type of candidacy she aimed to present.

Bachelet, who served as Chile’s president from 2006 to 2010 and again from 2014 to 2018, emphasized that she does not regret pursuing the nomination. She highlighted that her campaign helped advance the conversation about selecting a Secretary-General who is both a woman and from Latin America, a region traditionally next in line for the UN's top post as part of the organization's regional rotation practice.

To date, the United Nations has never had a female Secretary-General. Bachelet also previously led the UN Human Rights Commission for four years and stated she plans to continue her work in international affairs despite stepping aside from the current race. The position currently held by António Guterres is expected to be filled by a candidate from Latin America, continuing the customary geographical rotation among global regions.

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