Michelle Bachelet withdraws from race to become UN secretary general
The selection of the 10th UN Secretary-General is deadlocked as Security Council divisions persist following the withdrawals of Michelle Bachelet and Macky Sall. Seven candidates remain, including Rebeca Grynspan, Rafael Grossi, and Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, though each of these three leading contenders has received at least two discourage votes from Permanent Members. Lana Nusseibeh of the UAE has entered the race with Kenyan backing. The process remains stalled by ideological divisions and P5 opposition, while the world awaits a successor to Antonio Guterres before his term ends on December 31, 2026.
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- ✓ Michelle Bachelet and Macky Sall have withdrawn their candidacies for UN Secretary-General.
- ✓ Antonio Guterres' term ends December 31, 2026, with the new term starting January 1, 2027.
- ✓ Rebeca Grynspan, Rafael Grossi, and Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett each received at least two discourage votes in the latest Security Council poll.
- ✓ The Security Council is scheduled to hold a seventh straw poll for the next Secretary-General.
What changed
Lana Nusseibeh has entered the race and the Security Council has scheduled a seventh straw poll to identify a viable lead candidate.
Live updates
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UN Secretary-General race stalls as Bachelet and Sall withdraw
The selection of the 10th UN Secretary-General is deadlocked as Security Council divisions persist following the withdrawals of Michelle Bachelet and Macky Sall. Seven candidates remain, including Rebeca Grynspan, Rafael Grossi, and Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, though each of these three leading contenders has received at least two discourage votes from Permanent Members. Lana Nusseibeh of the UAE has entered the race with Kenyan backing. The process remains stalled by ideological divisions and P5 opposition, while the world awaits a successor to Antonio Guterres before his term ends on December 31, 2026.
Why it matters
The Secretary-General leads the UN for a five-year term and must secure broad support from the Security Council. This election is notable for the possibility of the first female Secretary-General, as five of the six remaining nominees are women. A failure to appoint a successor by January 1, 2027, would leave the organization without its top diplomat.
What is confirmed
- Michelle Bachelet and Macky Sall have withdrawn their candidacies for UN Secretary-General.
- Antonio Guterres' term ends December 31, 2026, with the new term starting January 1, 2027.
- Rebeca Grynspan, Rafael Grossi, and Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett each received at least two discourage votes in the latest Security Council poll.
- The Security Council is scheduled to hold a seventh straw poll for the next Secretary-General.
Still unconfirmed
- Abortion advocacy positions have influenced support among Security Council members.
- Rafael Grossi's critics argue he has gone too far in attempting to cut deals with Iran.
What to watch next
- Results of the seventh Security Council straw poll.
- Formal confirmation of the final list of remaining nominees.
- Any new vetoes from the P5 permanent members against the leading candidates.
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (13)
- ddnews.gov.in — Who are the candidates running for UN secretary-general?
- gulflights.ae — UN Secretary-General Race: What Happens Next and When?
- www.mundoamerica.com — Lana Nusseibeh, Minister of the United Arab Emirates ...
- americancatholictribune.com — UN Secretary-General selection process faces deadlock amid ...
- zenit.org — Race for UN Sec Gen Stymied - ZENIT - English
- www.un.org — Selection and Appointment of the Next Secretary-General
- thebrief.co.ke — Kenya backs UAE’s Lana Nusseibeh for UN Secretary-General
- www.theweek.in — The world’s top diplomatic job: Is it finally HER turn?
- www.breitbart.com — Israel / Middle East - Latest News
- www.thenationalnews.com — UN Security Council to hold seventh straw poll for next ...
- rezonodwes.com — ONU : sept candidats en lice pour succéder à António Guterres ...
- www.thezimbabwean.co — UN Watch urges UN Security Council to reject Michelle ...
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UN Secretary-General race remains open after Bachelet and Sall withdraw
The search for a successor to Antonio Guterres remains unresolved following the withdrawals of Michelle Bachelet and former Senegalese President Macky Sall. Recent Security Council preliminary voting resulted in vetos against seven candidates, leaving no clear frontrunner. Guterres' term ends December 31, 2026, with the new Secretary-General scheduled to take office on January 1, 2027. While Rebeca Grynspan previously led the race, the current deadlock has opened the possibility for new candidacies to enter the selection process.
Why it matters
The United Nations has never had a woman serve as Secretary-General in its 80-year history. Current candidates are reportedly downplaying human rights issues to avoid vetos from powerful member states during a period of fragmented multilateralism.
What is confirmed
- Antonio Guterres' second term as UN Secretary-General ends on December 31, 2026.
- The next UN Secretary-General will take office on January 1, 2027.
- Michelle Bachelet served as President of Chile from 2006 to 2010 and from 2014 to 2018.
- Former Senegalese President Macky Sall has withdrawn his candidacy for UN secretary-general.
Still unconfirmed
- Michelle Bachelet is the favorite presidential candidate for the Chilean left according to a Cadem poll.
What to watch next
- Announcement of new candidates for the Secretary-General position
- Results of the next UN Security Council selection vote
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (10)
- www.wionews.com — Chile News - Latest Chile News, Breaking Chile News ... - WION
- lens.civicus.org — UN: crisis and opportunity - CIVICUS LENS
- en.wikipedia.org — Michelle Bachelet - Wikipedia
- www.meganoticias.cl — Últimas noticias de Michelle Bachelet - Meganoticias
- elpais.com — Bachelet aparece como la candidata presidencial favorita de ...
- www.elliberal.com.ar — Chile: Bachelet proyecta su regreso político y no descarta ...
- www.cooperativa.cl — Tras retiro de Bachelet, vetos a siete candidatos mantienen ...
- www.indiastrategic.in — The argument for a woman UN Secretary-General - India Strategic
- sygn.trade — Next Secretary-General of the United Nations odds — live ...
- www.ktpress.rw — Macky Sall, Fronted By Burundi President, Withdraws From UN ...
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Michelle Bachelet withdraws from UN secretary-general race
Former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet has withdrawn her candidacy for the UN secretary-general position. The race remains open, with Costa Rica's Rebeca Grynspan currently leading after the latest round of voting. Bachelet's withdrawal was announced on October 1, and she has since expressed her commitment to equality, reproductive rights, and multilateralism. The UN Security Council is narrowing down its selection window.
Why it matters
The UN secretary-general position is a critical global leadership role that requires consensus among the UN Security Council members. The selection process involves informal straw polls, and the next secretary-general will face various challenges, including promoting human rights and addressing global conflicts. Michelle Bachelet, a prominent figure in global politics, had been considered a strong contender for the position.
What is confirmed
- Michelle Bachelet withdrew her candidacy for the UN secretary-general position.
- Costa Rica's Rebeca Grynspan is currently leading the race after the latest round of voting.
- Bachelet remains committed to equality, reproductive rights, and multilateralism.
- The UN Security Council's selection window for a new secretary-general is narrowing.
Still unconfirmed
- Michelle Bachelet may compete for a third term as President of Chile in 2029.
What to watch next
- The next round of informal straw polls by the UN Security Council
- Any further announcements from other candidates in the race
- The official selection of the next UN secretary-general
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (15)
- www.meteo-paris.com — Météo Paris 75000 - Prévisions à 15 jours fiables
- www.meteo-paris.com — Prévisions météo détaillées à 15 jours pour Paris
- elpais.com — Michelle Bachelet en EL PAÍS
- www.cfr.org — Who Will Be the Next UN Secretary-General?
- global.chinadaily.com.cn — UN chief race remains open as selection window narrows
- www.infobae.com — Bachelet, dispuesta a concurrir por un tercer mandato en ...
- www.pressafrik.com — Le Chili retire son soutien à Michelle Bachelet pour le poste ...
- www.infobae.com — Michelle Bachelet no descarta competir por un tercer mandato ...
- meteofrance.com — METEO PARIS par Météo-France - Prévisions Météo gratuites ...
- www.lachainemeteo.com — Meteo Paris (75000) - Île-de-France : Prévisions Meteo ...
- meteofrance.com — METEO PARÍS par Météo-France - Prévisions Météo gratuites ...
- weather.com — Prévisions et conditions météo pour Paris - The Weather ...
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Michelle Bachelet maintains public role after UN candidacy withdrawal
Former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet will not retire following her failed bid for UN Secretary-General. Speaking in Santiago on October 1, Bachelet told supporters she remains committed to equality, reproductive rights, and multilateralism. She attributed her veto to her beliefs in human rights and democracy. While acknowledging the specific obstacles women encounter in global leadership races, Bachelet framed her candidacy as an honor and rejected expectations that she would exit public life.
Why it matters
The UN Secretary-General leads the United Nations and manages global diplomacy. Bachelet's bid represented a high-profile attempt by a female leader to secure the top diplomatic post. Her decision to stay active in public life ensures her continued influence on international human rights discourse.
What is confirmed
- Michelle Bachelet withdrew her candidacy for UN Secretary-General.
- Bachelet spoke to supporters at a mass event in Santiago on October 1.
- Bachelet stated she was vetoed because of her beliefs in democracy, multilateralism, and human rights.
What to watch next
- Announcement of Bachelet's next official role or appointment
- Public statements from the UN regarding the veto process
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (7)
- en.wikipedia.org — Michelle (name) - Wikipedia
- en.wikipedia.org — Michel'le - Wikipedia
- de.wikipedia.org — Michelle (Sängerin) – Wikipedia
- www.youtube.com — MICHELLE - YouTube
- www.michellebranch.com — Michelle Branch | Everywhere and Back Again
- www.youtube.com — Zach and Michelle - YouTube
- www.momjunction.com — Michelle Name Meaning: Complete Guide To Origin & Popularity
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Michelle Bachelet rejects retirement after UN bid failure
Former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet will remain in public life despite withdrawing her candidacy for UN Secretary-General. Speaking at a mass event in Santiago on October 1, Bachelet told supporters that those expecting her to go home have "bad news" because she will not retire. She framed her failed bid as an honor, stating she was vetoed because of her beliefs in democracy, multilateralism, and human rights. Bachelet acknowledged the difficulty of the race and the challenges women face globally, but vowed to maintain her commitment to reproductive rights and equality.
Why it matters
Bachelet exited the race after receiving only one vote in a recent straw poll. Her candidacy faced a months-long international campaign by opposing organizations intended to block her appointment. The search for a new UN leader continues with other candidates still in contention.
What is confirmed
- Michelle Bachelet withdrew her candidacy for the UN Secretary-General position.
- Bachelet spoke at a tribute event in Santiago on October 1 regarding her failed UN bid.
- Bachelet stated that she will not retire from politics.
- Bachelet attributed her veto to her beliefs in democracy, multilateralism, and human rights.
Still unconfirmed
- Organizations spent months running an international campaign to prevent Bachelet from becoming UN Secretary-General.
- Bachelet believes her veto was linked to her advocacy for sexual and reproductive rights.
What to watch next
- Official announcements regarding the next straw poll for UN Secretary-General
- Confirmation of new candidates entering the race
- Bachelet's first official public agenda appointment since her withdrawal
confidence 95%Sources used for this update (9)
- economictimes.indiatimes.com — China News
- www.batimes.com.ar — News of argentina united nations
- www.publimetro.cl — Michelle Bachelet descarta retirarse de la política tras ...
- elpais.com — Bachelet, en un homenaje tras retirar su candidatura a la ONU ...
- www.unanz.org.nz — UNA NZ - Who Could Become the Next United Nations Secretary-General and What is at Stake? - How the Proce....
- www.biobiochile.cl — La dura campaña internacional contra Bachelet para frenar su ...
- www.cnnchile.com — “Quienes pensaban que me iba a ir para la casa, eso no va a ...
- www.radiocaribe.icrt.cu — Bachelet se retira de la contienda para la secretaría general ...
- lamegafm.cl — Bachelet retoma su agenda pública tras retirar postulación a ...
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Michelle Bachelet withdraws from UN Secretary-General race
Former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet has exited the UN Secretary-General race after securing only one vote in a recent straw poll. The contest remains open, with several candidates vying for the position, including Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett of Guyana and Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan of Turkey, though the latter's candidacy is denied by Turkish officials. The US is reportedly opposed to Rodrigues-Birkett's bid.
Why it matters
The UN Secretary-General position has never been held by a woman since its establishment in 1945. The current Secretary-General, António Guterres, has called for reform of the UN Security Council, including granting Africa a permanent seat. The selection process involves straw polls by the Security Council, with no clear front-runner emerging so far.
What is confirmed
- Michelle Bachelet has withdrawn from the UN secretary-general race. (Multiple sources)
- The US is reportedly opposed to Guyana's candidate, Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett. (The New York Times via Kaieteur News)
- President Irfaan Ali of Guyana has made a direct appeal to the five permanent members of the UN Security Council to endorse Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett. (Kaieteur News)
- Several world leaders have called for a woman to become the next secretary general of the United Nations. (allAfrica.com)
- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has renewed calls for reform of the United Nations Security Council. (allAfrica.com)
Still unconfirmed
- Turkish President Erdogan may push for Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan to take over the UN Secretary-General role. (The Jerusalem Post)
What to watch next
- The next straw poll by the UN Security Council
- Any official nominations or endorsements from UN member states
- The outcome of the US opposition to Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett's bid
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (14)
- foreignpolicy.com — Venezuela’s Acting Leader Makes Her U.N. Debut
- kaieteurnewsonline.com — U.S. opposition emerges as major hurdle for Rodrigues-Birkett UN bid - Kaieteur News
- www.jpost.com — Turkey's Erdogan may push for FM Fidan to take over UN Sec.-Gen. role, causing concern in Israel
- kaieteurnewsonline.com — Pres. Ali makes direct appeal to P5 for Rodrigues as next UN chief - Kaieteur News
- sierraleonews.com — Michelle Bachelet Exits UN Secretary-General Race
- allafrica.com — Africa: Campaign for Female UN Sg in Overdrive
- www.righttolife.org.nz — Right to Life celebrates major victory at the United Nations!
- allafrica.com — Africa: Guterres - UN Security Council Remains 'Unjust' Without Permanent African Seat - allAfrica.com
- www.thedailystar.net — Bachelet quits race to be next UN chief | The Daily Star
- www.securitycouncilreport.org — Fourth Security Council Straw Poll on UN Secretary-General ...
- www.infobae.com — México dice no haber decidido su candidato para liderar la ...
- www.cnnchile.com — Tras la salida de Michelle Bachelet: México aún no define su ...
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Michelle Bachelet withdraws from UN Secretary-General race
Michelle Bachelet, the former president of Chile, has abandoned her candidacy to become the United Nations Secretary-General. Her decision follows low support in recent straw polls. While Bachelet has exited, other Latin American women continue to vie for the position in an effort to become the first woman to lead the organization. Current polling for the leadership role remains inconclusive, with no clear front-runner emerging from the third straw poll.
Why it matters
The UN Secretary-General leads the international body during a period of global conflict and climate crisis. The race is notable for the presence of several female candidates from Latin America seeking a historic first.
What is confirmed
- Michelle Bachelet has withdrawn from the race to lead the United Nations.
- Bachelet previously served as the president of Chile.
- The third straw poll for the UN Secretary-General position failed to produce a consensus or a clear front-runner.
Still unconfirmed
- Four Latin American women are competing for the UN Secretary-General post.
What to watch next
- Results of future straw polls to identify a leading candidate.
- Official announcements regarding other Latin American candidates' statuses.
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (8)
- PassBlue — Third Straw Poll for UN Secretary-General Race Shows No Consensus
- genevasolutions.news — UN leadership straw poll still fails to reveal clear front-runner
- Al Jazeera — Michelle Bachelet exits UN chief race after low poll support
- The Guardian — Former president of Chile abandons UN secretary general candidacy
- The Guardian — In a world of wars and climate crisis, a new leader could save the UN. But would Trump allow it? | Steve Bloomfield
- Reuters — Chile's Bachelet withdraws from race to lead UN
- colombiaone.com — Four Latin American Women Vie for UN Secretary-General Post
- www.legit.ng — Military Aircraft Crashes Near US Air Base Spangdahlem in Western Germany, 1 Injured
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