Diplomat Birkett leads in test vote for position of UN Secretary-General

Succession to Guterres: Diplomat Birkett Leads in UN Test Vote

Who will succeed Guterres? In a second vote, Guyanese diplomat Birkett moved to the top of the list for the post of UN Secretary-General. General Assembly President Baerbock is advocating for greater transparency — and is facing hostility for doing so.

António Guterres will remain Secretary-General of the United Nations until the end of the year. Who will succeed him remains an open question. The UN Security Council is exploring its options through test votes. On Friday, a narrow majority appeared to favor diplomat Carolyn Rodrigues Birkett from Guyana. Eight states are reported to have voted for her.

This displaced former Costa Rican Vice President Rebeca Grynspan to second place.

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

Baerbock Pushes for Greater Transparency

The process takes place largely behind closed doors. The President of the UN General Assembly, Annalena Baerbock, is working to increase transparency. As has been customary for several years, she organized public hearings. At the event, the audience was able to vote on the candidates — something that, according to diplomats, was done for the first time.

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

Sharp Criticism from Russia and the United States

Baerbock's approach drew sharp criticism from Russia and the United States. US Ambassador Jennifer Locetta described her conduct as an "overreach of authority." Baerbock sees herself as a "diplomatic superstar," she said, and had indirectly accused the Security Council of failing to act properly.

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