UN Security Council Held Straw Poll for Secretary-General
The council conducted a third informal vote on September 18 to narrow the field of eight candidates.
Updated on Sept. 18, 2026 in Elections
Live Poll
Should international organizations prioritize regional representation when selecting top leadership positions?
The United Nations Security Council conducted an informal straw poll on September 18, 2026, to gauge support for the eight candidates vying to replace Antonio Guterres. Rebeca Grynspan led the field with nine encourage votes.
Why it matters
The process is critical as Antonio Guterres prepares to step down at the end of 2026 after serving two five-year terms. Security Council members must reach consensus on a candidate before making a formal recommendation to the General Assembly.
The vote involved 15 Security Council members evaluating eight candidates for the position of the 10th Secretary-General. The final selection requires approval by the 193-member General Assembly following a Council recommendation.
The players
Rebeca Grynspan
She is a leading candidate for the position of Secretary-General who secured nine encourage votes in the most recent straw poll.
Antonio Guterres
He is the current Secretary-General of the United Nations who is set to step down at the end of 2026 after completing two five-year terms.
Carolyn Rodrigues Birkett
She is a candidate for the Secretary-General position who received eight encourage votes from the Security Council.
The details
Council members cast secret ballots to indicate whether they encourage, discourage, or have no opinion on the hopefuls. This third round of voting follows two previous polls conducted in July and August 2026, with further rounds expected before a final decision is reached.
Timeline
July 2026: The first secret straw poll occurred.
August 2026: The second secret straw poll occurred.
September 18, 2026: The third secret straw poll occurred.
End of 2026: Antonio Guterres will step down as Secretary-General.
Political Context
The opposition often emphasizes that the five permanent Security Council members hold veto power, creating potential deadlock in the selection process. This structural hurdle contrasts with calls from some General Assembly members for a more transparent and inclusive candidate search.
The selection of a new Secretary-General affects global diplomatic priorities and the UN's administrative focus for the next decade. Citizens may observe changes in international policy agendas depending on which candidate ultimately secures the five permanent members' support.
The takeaway
The informal straw polls serve as a vital mechanism for gauging candidate viability before a formal recommendation is finalized. Stakeholders should note that the process prioritizes consensus among the five permanent council members over broad popularity in the preliminary stages.
What happens next
The Security Council is expected to hold several more rounds of straw polls in the coming months to reach a consensus on the next Secretary-General.
Further reading
For more background on leadership transitions within international bodies, explore our Elections coverage.
Live Poll
Should international organizations prioritize regional representation when selecting top leadership positions?
