Olara Otunnu Receives Second UN Security Council Straw Ballot Outcome
Olara Otunnu Receives Second UN Security Council Straw Ballot Outcome
INTERNATIONAL
NEW YORK — Ambassador Olara Otunnu, a candidate for Secretary-General of the United Nations, has confirmed receiving the official outcome of the second straw ballot conducted by the UN Security Council.
In a statement, Otunnu expressed appreciation to all members of the Security Council for their engagement in the selection process.
Otunnu said the results were formally communicated to him by the President of the Security Council following the latest round of consultations among Council members.
«“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,” Otunnu said.»
The second straw ballot forms part of the Security Council’s consultations ahead of the selection of the next UN Secretary-General.
Otunnu, a veteran Ugandan diplomat and former UN Under-Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, is among the candidates seeking to lead the world body.
The straw-ballot process allows Security Council members to indicate their preferences for candidates and is an important stage in assessing support before the Council moves toward a formal recommendation to the UN General Assembly.
Otunnu’s statement signals his intention to remain engaged with Security Council members and UN Member States as the selection process continues.
The UN Secretary-General is appointed by the General Assembly upon the recommendation of the Security Council, making the Council’s consultations and eventual recommendation a critical step in determining who will head the United Nations.
