United Nations Will Elect Law Commission in November 2027
The 82nd session of the General Assembly will select 34 members to serve five-year terms starting in 2028.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Elections
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The United Nations General Assembly is scheduled to elect 34 members to the International Law Commission in November 2027. These individuals will serve five-year terms beginning on January 1, 2028, following the expiration of the current commission members at the end of 2027.
Why it matters
The International Law Commission is responsible for the progressive development and codification of international law. As current terms conclude, the upcoming election ensures the continued operation of this body for the 2028-2032 period.
The 34 seats are distributed among regional groups, including eight for African states, seven for Asia-Pacific, four for Eastern European, seven for Latin American and Caribbean, and eight for Western European and other states.
The players
United Nations General Assembly
The United Nations General Assembly is the main policy-making organ of the United Nations.
International Law Commission
The International Law Commission is an expert body established by the UN to promote the progressive development and codification of international law.
The details
Candidates must be individuals of recognized competence in international law and are elected via secret ballot by members present and voting. Each member state may nominate up to four candidates, with the restriction that no two members may be nationals of the same state.
Timeline
October 1, 2026: Nomination period opened for commission candidates.
June 1, 2027: Deadline for governments to submit candidate nominations.
November 2027: Election scheduled during General Assembly session.
January 1, 2028: New five-year terms of elected members begin.
Political Context
The upcoming election follows the regulatory framework established by the Statute of the International Law Commission. This process ensures the body remains an independent assembly of experts rather than a representative body of states, maintaining its role in the codification of international law.
This election affects international legal standards that underpin global trade, human rights, and diplomatic relations. By choosing qualified legal experts, the General Assembly indirectly influences the regulatory frameworks that govern inter-state disputes and treaty interpretations.
The takeaway
The composition of the International Law Commission remains a critical element of global governance as it prepares for the next five-year cycle. Observers monitor this process for how member states balance regional representation with the requirement for recognized legal expertise.
What happens next
The nomination process is currently active and will conclude on June 1, 2027, followed by the election session scheduled for November 2027.
Further reading
For additional context on the international voting process, visit the Elections section.
More information
View the International Law Commission election information for official updates.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Un.
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