According to Reuters reporting on July 30th local time, the first informal voting conducted by the United Nations Security Council showed that Rebeca Grynspan, former Vice President of Costa Rica, is a strong candidate for the position of next Secretary-General of the United Nations. Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Guyana, follows closely behind her.
According to diplomats, in this non-binding 'intent vote' participated by 15 members of the Security Council, Greenspan received 10 votes, Rodrigues-Barkette received 9 votes, and Rafael Grossi, the current Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency and a Argentine, received 7 votes.
It is reported that although the results of the intention vote are not made public, the voting process has always been a matter of great interest. After learning the voting results, candidates can assess their support levels and decide whether to continue running for office. The outside world can use this information to gauge the direction of the selection process.
Currently, there are seven candidates competing for the position of next Secretary-General of the United Nations. In addition to Greenspan, Rodriguez-Backett, and Groos, the candidates include Chilean former President Bachelet, Ecuadorian former President of the United Nations General Assembly Espinosa, Senegalese former President Sall, and Ugandan former Deputy Secretary-General Olara Otunnu.
The current tenure of United Nations Secretary-General Koforotte will expire on December 31 this year. It is widely believed that candidates from Latin America have an advantage due to regional rotation practices. Additionally, the international community has been calling for the appointment of the first female Secretary-General in the history of the United Nations.
After this round of 'intent votes', several more rounds of similar votes will be conducted until a candidate receives the required 9 votes of support, and no veto from any of the five permanent members of the United Nations. Subsequently, the list of selected candidates will be submitted to the General Assembly for formal appointment to the position.
Previously, China has stated that the election of the Secretary-General is related to the reform and development of the United Nations and the interests of its member states. China believes that the next Secretary-General should meet at least several hard criteria: first, firmly defend the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter; second, have extensive political and diplomatic experience, as well as comprehensive coordination abilities; third, be able to uphold fairness on major issues, especially by paying attention to the interests and demands of developing countries; fourth, be able to determine the direction of United Nations reform and improve the quality and efficiency of United Nations work.
It can be summarized as: adherence to the charter, outstanding abilities, fairness and integrity, and responsibility in fulfilling duties. The Chinese side will participate in the election process of the next Secretary-General with a responsible attitude, together with everyone else.
