Race for next UN chief remains unresolved despite Grynspan’s lead

18 October 2026 The contest to select the next United Nations secretary-general remains unsettled after an informal Security Council ballot left no candidate with the backing of all five permanent members. Rebeca Grynspan, Costa Rica’s former vice president and the UN’s trade chief, retained a narrow lead in Friday’s vote, Reuters reported. The selection comes ahead of António Guterres’ departure at the end of December. Associated Press reported that all seven candidates faced opposition from at least one veto-holding power, leaving room for further negotiations or additional contenders. The process is attracting attention amid calls for institutional reform and the possibility of appointing the UN’s first woman secretary-general. The latest ballot was an indication of support, not a final appointment. Sources: Reuters and Associated Press, reporting on the 16 October ballot.