Five countries elected non-permanent members to UN Security Council
United Nations, June 4
Austria, Kyrgyzstan, Portugal, Trinidad and Tobago, and Zimbabwe were elected non-permanent members of the UN Security Council on Wednesday for a two-year term.
The election marked the first time Kyrgyzstan would serve on the Security Council.
The newly elected members will replace the outgoing non-permanent members -- Denmark, Greece, Pakistan, Panama and Somalia -- and assume their seats on January 1, 2027, and serve until December 31, 2028.
A candidate must obtain the support of two-thirds of the UN member states present and voting at the General Assembly session in order to secure a non-permanent seat on the Security Council, regardless of whether the candidacy is contested or not. A minimum of 129 positive votes is required to win a seat if all 193 member states are present and voting. Member states that abstain are considered not voting.
There were seven candidates for the five seats available this year. Austria, Portugal, Trinidad and Tobago, and Zimbabwe were elected in the first round of voting, reports Xinhua news agency.
Three more rounds of voting were held before Kyrgyzstan defeated the Philippines in a contested race.
The Security Council has 15 members, five of which are permanent: Britain, China, France, Russia and the United States. The 10 non-permanent seats of the council are allocated by geographic region, with five replaced each year.
The five newly elected countries represent the African, Asia-Pacific, Latin American and Caribbean, and Western European and Other groups. The Eastern European group is not contesting this year, as its seat, currently held by Latvia through 2027, comes up for election every other year.
The Security Council is considered the most powerful body of the United Nations. The council, tasked with maintaining international peace and security, can make legally binding decisions and has the power to impose sanctions and authorise the use of force.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Interesting that Pakistan is being replaced. They've been a controversial member honestly – blocking resolutions on Kashmir. Hope these new countries bring more balanced diplomacy.
Let's see what Trinidad and Tobago does. Caribbean nations often have good sense on climate issues. But UNSC reform is the elephant in the room – 5 countries deciding for 193? That's not democracy, yaar. 😕
Happy for Kyrgyzstan! First time serving – that's a big step. But why did it take 3 rounds of voting to beat Philippines? Shows how politicized these elections are.
Finally, some fresh voices! But let's not get too excited – non-permanent members rarely change the power dynamics. Remember how Russia vetoed while everyone watched? The system needs serious rethinking. India needs a permanent seat, full stop.
As an American, I always watch these elections. It's good seeing diverse representation – Zimbabwe will bring African perspectives. Hope they all use their voice responsibly, especially on issues like Ukraine and climate.
Kashmir was barely mentioned when Pakistan was there – now with them gone, maybe we'll see fairer discussions? But I'm not holding my breath. The UNSC is just a
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