New york: The United Nations Security Council has completed a second informal straw poll to evaluate the candidates vying to succeed Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. Guterres is set to finish his second five-year term by the end of this year. Eight candidates are currently in the running for this pivotal role, amid significant divisions within the organization.

According to France24.com, Guyana's former foreign minister, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, emerged as a narrow leader in the second round of polling. This development was reported by a diplomatic source and specialist media on Friday. In the previous month, Costa Rica's Rebeca Grynspan was the frontrunner when the 15-member Security Council conducted its first informal, secret ballot vote.

Grynspan, who had taken leave from her leadership role at the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) to campaign for the position, saw a slight dip to second place in the latest poll. Argentina's Rafael Mariano Grossi, currently heading the UN nuclear watchdog, secured third place. Other candidates include Chile's Michelle Bachelet, Ecuador's Maria Fernanda Espinosa, Uganda's Olara Otunnu, and Senegal's Macky Sall. Following the first round, Ecuador's Ivonne A-Baki entered the race.

To become the next UN chief, a candidate must receive at least nine votes from the 15-member Security Council and avoid a veto from any of the council's five permanent members. The Security Council's decision is then submitted to the General Assembly for approval.

Rebeca Grynspan, the former vice president of Costa Rica, gained prominence by brokering the Black Sea Grain Initiative in 2022, facilitating grain exports between Moscow and Kyiv amidst conflict. Michelle Bachelet of Chile, known for her tenure as the UN rights chief, has advocated for a strong moral voice for the future UN secretary-general. Maria Fernanda Espinosa from Ecuador has emphasized the need for UN reform and suggested an "early warning" system to anticipate conflicts.

Rafael Mariano Grossi, a seasoned Argentine diplomat, continues to lead the International Atomic Energy Agency while advocating for a proactive approach to UN leadership. Meanwhile, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett highlights the need for the UN to restore its credibility on the global stage. Each candidate brings a unique perspective and experience to the table, reflecting both the challenges and aspirations of the United Nations in a rapidly evolving world.