Hong Kong, China News Service, July 31 — According to a Reuters report, the first informal indicative vote held by the United Nations Security Council on July 30 indicated that former Costa Rican Vice President Rebeca Grynspan is an early frontrunner for the next UN Secretary-General, followed closely by former Guyanese Foreign Minister Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett.

The photo shows the United Nations Security Council chamber. 

According to diplomats, in this non-binding “indicative vote” involving the 15 members of the Security Council, Greenspan received 10 votes, Rodríguez‑Burkitt garnered 9, and the incumbent Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Rafael Grossi of Argentina, secured 7.

Although the results of the indicative vote have not been made public, the voting process has consistently drawn close attention. Upon learning the results, candidates may assess their level of support and decide whether to continue their candidacy. The public can use this information to assess the direction of the selection process.

At present, seven candidates are vying to become the next United Nations Secretary-General. In addition to Greenspan, Rodríguez‑Burkett, and Grossi, there are also former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet, former Ecuadorian President and United Nations General Assembly President Espinosa, former Senegalese President Sall, and former Ugandan Under-Secretary-General Olara Otunnu.

The current United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, will conclude his term on December 31 of this year. It is widely believed that, in line with the practice of regional rotation, candidates from Latin America enjoy a certain advantage. Meanwhile, the international community continues to call on the United Nations to welcome the first female Secretary-General in its history.

Following this round of “indicative voting,” multiple rounds of similar ballots will be held until a candidate secures the requisite nine votes and is not vetoed by any of the five permanent members. Subsequently, the list of selected candidates will be submitted to the United Nations General Assembly for the formal appointment to the post.