Costa Rica’s former Vice Predident, Rebecca Grynspan has widened her lead as the United Nations Security Council held a fourth secret straw poll this afternoon in the race for UN Secretary General.

Grynspan who was also the leader in the last straw poll, picked up 10 encouraging votes this time around. She picked up nine encouraging votes the last time.

Guyana’s candidate, Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett and Argentina’s Rafael Grossi both tied for the second spot in the straw poll by pulling eight encouraging votes each.

Guyana’s candidate placed also second in the previous straw poll after an encouraging first place in the straw poll before that.

The Security Council makes the final recommendation for the position of Secretary General. The candidate must receive the support of at least 9 members of the UN Security Council and no veto.

There have been media reports that the United States intends to block Guyana’s candidate for the UN Secretary General’s post over her position on the war in gaza, describing Israel’s response as a genocide.

The next phase of the contest is expected to bring greater clarity. The council traditionally moves to colour-coded ballots, which distinguish the votes of its five permanent members – China, France, Russia, Britain and the United States – from those of its 10 elected members. That can expose whether a candidate who appears to have broad support nonetheless faces a potential veto.

A candidate ultimately needs at least nine votes in the Security Council and must avoid opposition from any of its five veto-wielding permanent members – China, France, Russia, the UK and the US. The Security Council then recommends a candidate to the 193-member General Assembly for appointment.

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