Who will be the next UN chief? Meet the 7 Candidates in the Race to Replace Guterres; how the general secretary is chosen | Explained | Today’s news

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres is set to step down at the end of his second five-year term on December 31 this year, bringing to a close nearly a decade at the helm of the world organization. His successor will become the 10th Secretary-General of the United Nations, and his five-year term is scheduled to begin on January 1, 2027.

The race has entered a crucial phase, with seven candidates currently vying to succeed Guterres after former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet withdrew from the race on September 20. The candidates are from Argentina, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guyana, Senegal and Uganda. The UN Security Council has already conducted three informal polls, with further discussions and votes expected before the Council formally recommends a candidate to the 193-member General Assembly.

Two candidates withdrew from the competition. Argentine diplomat Virginia Gamba, nominated by the Maldives, left the competition in March after the country withdrew its nomination. Former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet, who was also a former UN human rights chief, withdrew in September after her support waned in an informal Security Council slam poll.

Who are the candidates?

Rebeca Grynspan – Costa Rica

Rebeca Grynspan, former vice president of Costa Rica, currently heads the United Nations Office for Trade and Development (UNCTAD). The economist built her campaign on strengthening multilateral cooperation, restoring trust in the United Nations and addressing issues related to peace, development and global governance.

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Grynspan received nine “encouraging” votes in the Security Council’s third informal slam poll on 18 September, along with five “discouraging” votes and one “no opinion”. The vote was secret and does not determine the final result.

Carolyn Rodrigues Birkett – Guyana

Carolyn Rodrigues Birkett, Guyana’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations since 2020, is a career diplomat and former Foreign Minister. She also held senior positions in the Guyanese government and worked with the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization.

Her campaign focused on strengthening conflict prevention, human rights and climate action. She received eight “encouraging” votes in the September 18 straw poll.

Rafael Mariano Grossi – Argentina

Rafael Grossi has served as Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) since 2019. The Argentinian diplomat has been involved in international negotiations and nuclear diplomacy, including efforts involving Iran and the war in Ukraine.

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His campaign emphasizes making the UN more effective and results-oriented, drawing on his experience leading the IAEA in international crises.

María Fernanda Espinosa Garcés — Ecuador

María Fernanda Espinosa is the former Minister of Foreign Affairs and Defense of Ecuador and previously served as President of the United Nations General Assembly. She also represented Ecuador at the United Nations, working on issues including climate change, biodiversity and indigenous peoples.

Her campaign focused on peace and security, development, institutional reforms and restoring confidence in the UN.

Macky Sall – Senegal

Macky Sall served as President of Senegal for 12 years until 2024. Sall, a geologist by training, raised issues affecting developing countries, including debt and representation in global institutions.

He also called for reforms of the UN Security Council and advocated a renewed approach to multilateral cooperation.

Another truth – Uganda

Olara Otunnu is a Ugandan diplomat who previously served as UN Under-Secretary-General and Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict. At 75, he is currently the oldest candidate.

Otunnu called for the restoration of what he describes as the moral authority of the United Nations, while emphasizing institutional reform, conflict resolution, climate policy and international cooperation on artificial intelligence.

Ivonne A-Baki – Ecuador

Ivonne A-Baki is an Ecuadorian diplomat and former ambassador to several countries, including the United States, France, and Qatar. She was nominated by Tonga in August, making her the latest candidate to enter the competition.

Her campaign focused heavily on conflict prevention and diplomacy, with A-Baki arguing that the UN needed a stronger role in preventing wars and resolving disputes.

How is the UN Secretary General elected?

The selection process is different from conventional elections. Under Article 97 of the UN Charter, the Security Council recommends a candidate and the General Assembly formally appoints the Secretary-General.

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The current process formally began on November 25, 2025, when the Presidents of the General Assembly and the Security Council issued a joint letter inviting member states to submit nominations. Candidates are nominated by member states or groups of states and are required to provide a vision statement, curriculum vitae and campaign finance information.

The General Assembly also introduced a more transparent process involving public interactive dialogues with candidates via the Internet. Candidates attended these sessions during April, June and August 2026, while the UN Town Hall was held in July.

The Security Council then evaluates the candidates through informal secret “straw polls”. In these votes, the 15 Council members will indicate whether they “support”, “discourage” or have “no opinion” on each candidate. The polls are non-binding but help reveal the level of support for each candidate.

The five permanent members – China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States – have veto power. Finally, the Security Council must agree on a candidate and formally recommend it to the General Assembly. A Security Council recommendation requires at least nine votes in favor and no veto from any of the five permanent members.

The General Assembly, which has 193 members, then formally appoints the Secretary General. The Assembly has historically approved a Security Council nominee rather than selecting another nominee.

A final selection is expected before Guterres completes his term on December 31, allowing the new secretary-general to take office on January 1, 2027.