Bachelet withdraws from UN leadership contest as race enters new phase

14:30

Former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet has withdrawn from the race to become the next Secretary-General of the United Nations, bringing an end to a campaign that had sought to place a Latin American woman at the head of the world body.

Bachelet announced her decision on September 19, saying she would continue working internationally on issues including peace, security, sustainable development and human rights. Her withdrawal came shortly after the third informal poll conducted by the UN Security Council during the selection process.

The decision removes one of the most prominent Latin American figures from a contest to replace António Guterres, whose second term ends on December 31, 2026. The UN process is ultimately expected to produce a Security Council recommendation followed by appointment by the General Assembly.

A campaign launched with regional backing

Bachelet's candidacy was formally submitted on February 2 by Chile, Brazil and Mexico. The nomination documents were officially transmitted to UN member states as part of the selection procedure for the organisation's 10th Secretary-General.

Chile subsequently withdrew its nomination in March. The Chilean government cited the regional distribution of candidates and its assessment of the wider electoral context. Despite the change in Santiago's position, Bachelet continued her campaign with support from Brazil and Mexico before ultimately ending her bid.

In her announcement, Bachelet said she did not regret taking on what she described as a major challenge. She presented the campaign as an opportunity to advance the idea of a woman from Latin America leading the United Nations while defending the principles contained in the UN Charter.

Security Council consultations shape the race

The withdrawal followed a third informal consultation among the 15 members of the Security Council. According to Reuters, Bachelet's support fell significantly in the latest poll, contributing to her decision to leave the contest.

These straw polls are informal and do not constitute a formal vote to select the Secretary-General. They nevertheless provide candidates and governments with an indication of the level of support within the Security Council as consultations progress.

The latest round left seven candidates in the race, according to Reuters. The process remains subject to negotiations among Security Council members, particularly the five permanent members, before a recommendation can be forwarded to the General Assembly.

A long record in Chilean and international institutions

Bachelet brings extensive national and international experience to her political career. She served twice as President of Chile and previously held senior positions within the United Nations system.

From 2010 to 2013, she was the first Executive Director of UN Women. She later served as UN High Commissioner for Human Rights from 2018 to 2022, a position that placed her at the centre of international discussions on human rights and humanitarian issues.

Her UN campaign was built around themes including multilateral cooperation, international law, peace and sustainable development.

Chile calls for UN reform

Following Bachelet's withdrawal, the Chilean government said it took note of her decision and reiterated its support for multilateralism.

Santiago has also called for substantial reform of the United Nations system. The issue has become part of the broader debate surrounding the selection of the organisation's next Secretary-General, as member states consider both the future leadership of the institution and its capacity to respond to increasingly complex international crises.

Bachelet's departure leaves the selection process open as the United Nations prepares for the transition at the end of Guterres' mandate. The next stages will determine which candidate can ultimately secure the necessary Security Council backing before the final appointment by the General Assembly.