The selection process for the next United Nations secretary-general has begun, with seven candidates competing to succeed Antonio Guterres, whose second five-year term concludes at the end of 2026. The new secretary-general is expected to take office on January 1, 2027.

Among the contenders are four women and three men: Rebeca Grynspan of Costa Rica, Michelle Bachelet of Chile, Maria Fernanda Espinosa of Ecuador, Rafael Grossi of Argentina, Olara Otunnu of Uganda, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett of Guyana, and Macky Sall of Senegal. Grynspan, a former vice president of Costa Rica, has emerged as an early front runner in the race.

The United Nations Security Council, composed of 15 members, initiated the selection process with a closed-door “straw poll” to gauge support for each candidate. Grynspan received 10 votes in favor, followed by Rodrigues-Birkett with nine and Grossi with seven. While these tallies provide an early indication of backing, the final selection requires at least nine votes with no vetoes from the council's five permanent members: the United States, Russia, China, France, and Britain. Although none of these permanent members have publicly declared their preferences, each holds veto power that can block a candidate.

The straw poll involves council members anonymously assigning each candidate one of three possible ratings: “encourage,” “discourage,” or “no opinion.” According to reports, Grynspan received one “discourage” vote and four “no opinion” ratings. Observers noted the results as broadly favorable, assuming the discouraging vote did not come from a permanent member.

This voting method, established in the 1980s to resolve deadlocks, aims to identify candidates who lack sufficient support, allowing them to withdraw without losing face. However, the process remains opaque and has drawn criticism. Richard Gowar of the International Crisis Group remarked that no candidate is likely to secure an overwhelming numerical edge at this stage.

Of the candidates, Otunnu joined the race most recently, while the others presented their platforms last week, emphasizing the need to restore confidence in the UN amid financial challenges, ongoing global conflicts, and past political controversies. Several states have also advocated for the appointment of a woman to the post, noting that the position has historically been held only by men.

Although there is no formal rule regarding geographic rotation of the secretary-general role, tradition suggests the next leader will come from Latin America and the Caribbean, a factor that may influence the prospects of candidates from Africa, including Otunnu and Sall. The selection is expected to proceed through further straw polls before the Security Council formally recommends a candidate for approval by the General Assembly.