NEW YORK — Seven candidates remain in the race to succeed António Guterres as UN secretary general following Michelle Bachelet’s withdrawal. The former president of Chile announced her decision to exit the contest on Saturday, reducing the field as the United Nations prepares for a leadership transition.

Bachelet, 74, posted a video on Instagram to communicate her departure from the race. In the statement, she addressed her future plans after stepping aside from the candidacy. "I will now continue, with the same determination as always, my international work," Bachelet said.

She also confirmed the specific nature of her withdrawal in the same message. "Today I announced that I have decided not to continue with my candidacy for the position of Secretary-General of the United Nations," she said.

The announcement came one day after the UN Security Council held its third informal straw poll on Friday. The results of that vote showed limited support for Bachelet among council members. She received one "encourage" vote, 11 "discourage" votes, and three "no opinion" votes.

Other candidates performed more strongly in the same poll. Rebeca Grynspan received nine encouraging votes, while Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett received eight encouraging votes.

Grynspan is a diplomat from Costa Rica who serves as the head of the UN’s Trade and Development body. She has served as Secretary-General of UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) since 2021. Her political background includes service as Vice President of Costa Rica from 1994 to 1998.

The remaining field includes several other high-profile international figures. Rafael Grossi is a candidate in the UN secretary general race and is the current director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency. Macky Sall is a candidate in the UN secretary general race and is a former president of Senegal. Maria Fernanda Espinosa is a candidate in the UN secretary general race and is a diplomat from Ecuador.

Bachelet entered the race with regional support. Chile nominated her in February with backing from Brazil and Mexico. Her resume includes prior service as the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.

The historical context of the role shows limited representation from her region. Only one Latin American, Javier Perez de Cuellar of Peru, has previously served as UN secretary general.

Timeline

Michelle Bachelet was nominated by Chile in February with backing from Brazil and Mexico. António Guterres will conclude his second five-year term as UN secretary general on 31 December. The next informal straw poll in the UN secretary-general race was expected to take place shortly after the General Assembly’s high-level week ended on September 28, 2026, with Greece holding the rotating presidency of the Security Council in October. The next secretary-general will take over the role on January 1, 2027.

What's New

Additional details emerged regarding her statement, including the quote: "Today I announced that I have decided not to continue with my candidacy for the position of Secretary-General of the United Nations." It was also established that Rebeca Grynspan is the head of the UN’s Trade and Development body. The list of contenders was clarified to include Rafael Grossi as a candidate in the UN secretary general race.

Sall is a candidate in the UN secretary general race. Reports further noted that Rafael Grossi is associated with the International Atomic Energy Agency. Background information confirmed that Sall is a former president of Senegal. Maria Fernanda Espinosa is a candidate in the UN secretary general race.

Why It Matters

The selection process for the next leader of the global international and intergovernmental organization involves strict voting thresholds. To be recommended by the Security Council, a candidate needs at least nine of its 15 members to vote in favour. A candidate must avoid a veto from any of the five permanent Security Council members: China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The UN Security Council will formally recommend a single candidate to the 193-member General Assembly for election.