Olara Otunnu Sees Significant Support Surge in UN Secretary-General Race

Ugandan diplomat Olara Otunnu has experienced a notable increase in support during the second informal straw poll for the next United Nations Secretary-General. This surge in backing follows a well-received interactive dialogue Otunnu held with UN General Assembly member states.

The private ballot, conducted by the 15-member Security Council, revealed Otunnu more than doubling his positive “encourage” votes. He gained three additional “encourage” votes, significantly reduced his “discourage” ratings, and now holds five “encourage” votes, five “discourage” votes, and five “no opinion” ballots. This marks a considerable improvement from the first round, where he received only two “encourage” votes.

Otunnu expressed gratitude for the Security Council’s consideration and reiterated his commitment to the selection process. “I am grateful to all members of the Security Council. I look forward to continued engagement with members of the Security Council and all Member States of the United Nations,” he stated.

Despite Otunnu’s impressive performance, the race remains dynamic. Carolyn Rodrigues Birkett of Guyana has taken the lead with eight “encourage” votes, while Rebeca Grynspan of Costa Rica is in second place. Other candidates, including Rafael Grossi of Argentina and Macky Sall of Senegal, are also vying for the position, though some have seen their “discourage” votes increase.

Currently, no candidate has achieved the nine affirmative votes required for the Security Council’s recommendation. Experts suggest that as permanent members of the Security Council begin to express preferences more openly, the field could see further realignments. The Security Council plans to conduct additional secret ballots to determine a nominee before the current UN chief’s term concludes.

https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/otunnu-registers-gain-in-race-for-top-un-job-after-addressing-member-states-5567162