UN General Secretariat: Carolyn Rodrigues Birkett in front in test vote

António Guterres will be Secretary General of the United Nations until the end of the year. It is still unclear who will succeed him. The UN Security Council is conducting test votes. On Friday, a narrow majority emerged for diplomat Carolyn Rodrigues Birkett from Guyana. Eight states are said to have voted for them.

She pushed former Costa Rican Vice President Rebeca Grynspan into second place.

At least nine of the total 15 votes are required in the Security Council. In addition, none of the five veto powers may object. Only then does the Security Council recommend a candidate to the General Assembly, which is then followed by the formal appointment by the Assembly.

Baerbock is striving for more transparency

The process largely takes place behind closed doors. The President of the UN General Assembly, Annalena Baerbock, is striving for more transparency. As has been customary for several years, she organized public surveys. At the event, the audience was able to vote on the candidates; according to diplomats, this was the first time.

She also asked the Security Council not to consider candidates who have not previously participated in a dialogue with the General Assembly.

Clear criticism from Russia and the USA

Baerbock received sharp criticism from Russia and the USA for her actions. US Ambassador Jennifer Locetta described the action as an “excess of authority”. Baerbock sees himself as a “diplomatic superstar” and has indirectly accused the Security Council of not acting properly.

Russian UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia said his country was concerned "about the role that the President of the General Assembly is trying to ascribe to herself."