Costa Rica's Grynspan narrowly leads informal UN chief poll, sources say

Live updates

1. 2h ago

   Rebeca Grynspan leads third informal UN chief straw poll

   Costa Rican economist Rebeca Grynspan has retaken the lead in the race for UN Secretary-General following a third informal straw poll. While Grynspan holds a narrow lead, multiple reports indicate the process lacks a clear front-runner and shows no consensus among members. The selection process remains opaque, with some reports noting press restrictions. Meanwhile, Michelle Bachelet has exited the race due to low polling support. Global advocacy groups are calling for the next leader to be a staunch defender of international law amid rising global threats.

   Why it matters

   The UN Secretary-General manages the organization's global operations and diplomatic efforts. Straw polls are informal surveys used to gauge member state support before a formal vote. The current selection process follows the precedent set a decade ago during Antonio Guterres's appointment.

   What is confirmed

   • Rebeca Grynspan leads the third informal straw poll for UN chief.
   • The UN has conducted three informal polls to identify a new chief.
   • The third straw poll failed to reveal a clear front-runner or consensus.
   • Michelle Bachelet has withdrawn from the UN chief race following low poll support.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The UN has banned press access to the straw poll process.
   • The next UN Secretary-General must be a staunch defender of international law.

   What to watch next

   • Results of subsequent straw polls
   • Official announcement of the final candidate shortlist
   • Formal nomination by the UN Security Council
   Sources used for this update (13)

   1. Reuters — Costa Rica's Grynspan narrowly leads informal UN chief poll, sources say
   2. The Times of Israel — Costa Rica’s Grynspan leads third straw poll in UN chief race
   3. amnesty.org — Global: Amid mounting threats, the UN’s next Secretary-General must be a staunch defender of international law
   4. Yahoo — Costa Rica's Grynspan leads latest UN chief straw poll, sources say
   5. unfoundation.org — Poll: The Mandate for the Next UN Secretary-General
   6. Macau Business — UN holds third informal poll for new chief
   7. PassBlue — Third Straw Poll for UN Secretary-General Race Shows No Consensus
   8. Inner City Press — Third UN Straw Poll Murky a Decade After Guterres Grabbed UNSG Post Now Bans Press
   9. unfoundation.org — New Poll: Global Public Backs Stronger UN and Wants Bold Leadership from Next Secretary-General
   10. ejpress.org — Jewish economist retakes lead in race for next U.N. secretary-general, no clear front-runner
   11. genevasolutions.news — UN leadership straw poll still fails to reveal clear front-runner
   12. The Tico Times — Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan retakes lead in race to head the UN
   confidence 90%