Michelle Bachelet has withdrawn her bid to become the next United Nations secretary-general following a decline in support during a recent informal straw poll by the UN Security Council. The former Chilean president and past UN human rights chief announced her decision on Saturday, effectively ending her campaign to replace António Guterres at the helm of the global organization.
Bachelet, 74, had centered her campaign around the principles of multilateralism and adherence to international law. Her exit from the race narrows the field to seven remaining candidates, though more contenders could potentially join. The Security Council’s straw poll revealed Costa Rican diplomat Rebeca Grynspan as the current frontrunner in the selection process.
Grynspan’s emergence as a leading candidate marks a significant development in the ongoing race to determine the next UN secretary-general. The Security Council is responsible for recommending a candidate to the UN General Assembly, which comprises 193 members and holds the authority to formally elect the next secretary-general.
As the race progresses, the focus will be on the remaining candidates and any new entries that may occur. The eventual successor to António Guterres will take office following the conclusion of his second five-year term on December 31.