Former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet has withdrawn from the race to lead the United Nations, ending her bid to become the first woman to serve as Secretary-General following low poll support.
Key facts
- Michelle Bachelet has exited the race to become UN Secretary-General.
- Her campaign aimed to make her the first woman to lead the United Nations.
- The withdrawal followed low support in polling, according to Al Jazeera.
- Bachelet is a former President of Chile.
Former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet has ended her campaign to become the next Secretary-General of the United Nations, according to Al Jazeera. The move brings a close to a bid that had sought to make her the first woman to lead the global organisation.
Al Jazeera reported that the decision came after low support in polling for the position. The report did not detail the specific figures behind that assessment.
Bachelet had been among the figures aiming to break new ground at the top of the United Nations, an institution that has never had a woman as Secretary-General in its history.
As a former head of state, Bachelet brought significant political experience to her candidacy. Her exit removes one of the higher-profile names from the field of those seeking the UN’s most senior post.
The reporting from Al Jazeera focused on the withdrawal and the polling support that preceded it, without providing further detail on the remaining candidates or the next steps in the selection process.
Why it matters
The United Nations has never been led by a woman, and Bachelet's candidacy had raised the prospect of a historic first. Her withdrawal reshapes the contest to lead an organisation central to global diplomacy and international affairs.
Frequently asked questions
Why did Michelle Bachelet leave the UN race?
According to Al Jazeera, Bachelet ended her bid after receiving low support in polling for the position.
Would Bachelet have been the first woman to lead the UN?
Yes. Her campaign sought to make her the first woman to lead the United Nations, which has never had a female Secretary-General.
What is Michelle Bachelet's background?
Bachelet is a former President of Chile, bringing experience as a former head of state to her candidacy.