Overview
- The Security Council held a third secret straw poll on Friday and diplomats reported Rebeca Grynspan received nine “encourage” votes while Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett received eight.
- Straw polls are non-binding and anonymous and ask members to mark candidates “encourage,” “discourage” or “no opinion” to gauge support before formal steps.
- After several rounds, the Council will use color-coded ballots for the five permanent members to show likely vetoes without naming who cast them.
- Eight formal candidates remain in the race, including Grynspan, Rodrigues-Birkett, Rafael Grossi, Macky Sall, Michelle Bachelet, Maria Fernanda Espinosa, Ivonne A-Baki and Olara Otunnu.
- Diplomats expect more rounds after UN High-Level Week and say the contest could stretch for weeks or months as members seek a nominee who wins nine votes and avoids any P5 veto, a result that will shape the UN's priorities and leadership style.