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The United Nations Security Council held a fifth informal straw poll in a closed session to gauge support for the seven candidates seeking to replace Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, whose term ends on December 31. The new secretary-general is due to begin a five-year term on January 1, 2027.

According to figures leaked by diplomatic sources, Costa Rica's Rebeca Grynspan led the vote with nine "approve" and six "disapprove" ballots. Rafael Grossi followed with six approve, seven disapprove and two abstentions, while Carolyn Rodrigues placed third with five approve, nine disapprove and one abstention. Macky Sall, Olara Otunnu, Maria Fernanda Espinosa and Ivonne Baki trailed further behind.

In the straw poll, council members mark "approve," "disapprove" or "abstain" for each candidate on identical ballots. Once later rounds begin, the council switches to colour-coded ballots, with red slips for the five veto-wielding permanent members and white for the elected 10. Diplomatic sources said the sixth round, planned for October 16, could use this system.

Council President Aglia Balta, Greece's permanent representative to the UN, said each candidate would learn the outcome through the missions of the states that nominated them, and that the General Assembly president would be informed. She did not say when the next poll would be held. A nominee needs at least nine votes and no veto from the permanent five before going to the General Assembly.

Key Takeaways

• Rebeca Grynspan led the fifth straw poll with nine approve and six disapprove votes.
• A sixth round tentatively set for October 16 may introduce colour-coded ballots separating the five veto powers.
• The winner requires at least nine votes and no veto, then General Assembly approval, for a term starting January 1, 2027.