Bachelet withdraws UN candidacy – Security Council continues search

Bachelet, who had governed Chile as state president between 2006 and 2010 as well as between 2014 and 2018, was considered in the region an experienced diplomat with an international profile. Her reluctance towards a renewed UN leadership role had recently been attributed by observers to the political tensions in the Security Council.

Background: Selection Process

Selection Process

The procedure for the succession of the incumbent Secretary-General follows an informal but structured course. First, the five permanent and ten non-permanent members of the Security Council speak internally about possible candidates; subsequently, informal meetings take place at which applicants present their ideas.

Regional Rotation as a Factor

Regional Rotation as a Factor

Reactions and Next Steps

According to unwritten rule, the position of Secretary-General rotates between the regional groups of the United Nations. Since in past terms representatives from Europe and East Asia were appointed, Latin America was considered a promising region for the next term.

International observers pointed out that by foregoing her own ambitions, Bachelet could pave the way for other applicants from the region. Alongside Chilean voices, governments from Costa Rica and other Central American states had recently signalled interest in a Latin American candidacy.

Reactions and Next Steps

Diplomatic sources reported that Bachelet had communicated her decision in a letter to the Chilean government as well as to supporters of her campaign. According to this, she did not name a concrete successor candidate from Chile.

From the Security Council's environment, it was said that the consultations would be continued independently of the withdrawal. By 31 [Month], the Council must propose a candidate to UN headquarters, who is then confirmed by the General Assembly.

Bachelet herself expressed herself in a brief statement grateful towards those who had supported her in her application. She wanted to concentrate again more strongly in the future on national political issues in Chile, it was said in the statement. In Chile there had recently been debates about a possible return to national politics.

With the withdrawal, the field of known candidates shrinks further. Which names from Latin America, Africa or Asia will now officially appear in the next consultation rounds remained open at the time of reporting.