Germany’s Baerbock slams lack of transparency in search for UN chief

Shortly before the end of her term as president of the United Nations General Assembly, German politician Annalena Baerbock has criticized the Security Council for a lack of transparency in the search for a new UN secretary general.

The fact that the UN’s most powerful body had not published the results of its preliminary ballots to date, even though these had already been leaked to the press, was detrimental to the candidates, the General Assembly “and frankly, the credibility of the Security Council’s own procedure,” Baerbock wrote in a letter to UN member states.

Baerbock had previously drawn the ire of two veto-wielding powers on the Security Council due to her call for a transparent process. The United States and Russia accused her of overstepping her remit and insisted on the Security Council’s right to select the candidate in secret.

António Guterres is stepping down from his post as UN secretary general at the end of the year. The UN Charter stipulates that his successor is to be appointed by the General Assembly on the recommendation of the Security Council.

In practice, the 15 countries on the Security Council have so far agreed on a single candidate. They do so through secret ballots, the results of which are not made public.

The five permanent members of the Security Council – China, Russia, France, the UK and the US – also have the right of veto, and thus wield particular power in the election. The appointment by the General Assembly has so far been regarded as a mere formality. The procedure has been criticized time and again.

US and Russia criticize Baerbock for her demands

In her letter, Baerbock also proposes granting the General Assembly – in which all 193 UN member states are represented – a greater say. For instance, she suggests that the Security Council should propose not just one, but several candidates. This would mean that the final decision would lie with the member states.

There are currently eight candidates for the post. According to diplomatic sources, no clear favourite has emerged in two previous secret straw polls held by the Security Council. Further candidates may yet come forward.