Selection process for next UN chief begins

United Nations - The UN Security Council begins the process of selecting the UN's next secretary-general, holding a first "straw poll" to gauge the seven candidates' support for the high-profile global role. Four women and three men are so far in the running to succeed Antonio Guterres, who will complete his second five-year term on December 31, 2026. A woman has never been chosen for the post. The candidates are Michelle Bachelet of Chile, Maria Fernanda Espinosa of Ecuador, Rafael Grossi of Argentina, Rebeca Grynspan of Costa Rica, Olara Otunnu of Uganda, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett of Guyana, and Macky Sall of Senegal. Although Grossi, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, has arguably the best name recognition, observers believe that for now there is no clear favorite in the race that could last several months. Diplomats are reluctant to predict the outcome of the race because of the sway of the five permanent members of the Security Council - the United States, Russia, China, France and the United Kingdom - which have not yet indicated their preferences. Even if a candidate bags the required nine votes from the 15 available in the Security Council, they must also avoid a veto by the five major powers, which are deeply divided. Once a candidate clears those bars, their name will go to the General Assembly of all UN members for confirmation.