Michelle Bachelet, the former president of Chile, has withdrawn her candidacy to become the next UN secretary general after her support faltered among security council members, according to the Guardian.
Key facts
- Michelle Bachelet, former president of Chile, has withdrawn from the race to become UN secretary general.
- Her support collapsed in a security council straw poll.
- Seven candidates remain in the contest.
- Bachelet, 74, announced her decision in a video on Instagram on Saturday.
- She said she would continue her international work with the same determination as always.
Michelle Bachelet, a former president of Chile, has withdrawn her candidacy to become the next secretary general of the United Nations, according to the Guardian. Her decision ends an attempt that had struggled to gain traction among members of the security council.
Bachelet, 74, dropped out after her support collapsed in a security council straw poll, the Guardian reported. The withdrawal leaves seven candidates remaining in the contest to lead the UN.
She announced her decision in a video posted on Instagram on Saturday. “I will now continue, with the same determination as always, my international work,” Bachelet said in the message.
The security council plays a central role in selecting the secretary general, and straw polls are used to gauge the level of support behind each candidate as the process advances. Bachelet’s exit follows a poll in which her backing among council members faded.
With Bachelet out, the field narrows to seven contenders. The Guardian did not name the remaining candidates in its report.
Why it matters
The selection of the UN secretary general shapes the direction of the world's largest international organisation on issues ranging from conflict to climate. Bachelet's withdrawal reshuffles a closely watched contest and reflects the decisive influence of the security council in choosing the next leader.
Frequently asked questions
Why did Michelle Bachelet withdraw from the race?
According to the Guardian, Bachelet withdrew after her support collapsed in a security council straw poll, ending a bid that had struggled to gain traction among council members.
How many candidates are left in the contest?
Seven candidates remain in the race to become the next UN secretary general following Bachelet's withdrawal.
How did Bachelet announce her decision?
She announced her withdrawal in a video posted on Instagram on Saturday, saying she would continue her international work with the same determination as always.