Michelle Bachelet withdraws from race to become next UN secretary-general

Monday 21 September 2026 - 21:32

By: Azzat Manal

Michelle Bachelet withdraws from race to become next UN secretary-general

Former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet has withdrawn her candidacy to become the next secretary-general of the United Nations, bringing an end to her campaign to succeed António Guterres, whose second term is due to end on December 31, 2026.

Bachelet announced her decision on September 19 after the latest informal consultation among members of the UN Security Council. Her withdrawal came as her campaign struggled to secure sufficient support during the council’s indicative voting process. Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan emerged as the leading candidate in the third straw poll, while several other contenders remained in the race.

Bachelet, who previously served as Chilean president twice and as UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, had been formally nominated on February 2 by Chile, Brazil and Mexico. Her campaign highlighted the possibility of electing the first woman to lead the United Nations, as well as the importance of multilateralism and international cooperation.

The Chilean government subsequently withdrew its nomination on March 25. According to official UN documents, Bachelet remained an eligible candidate after that date because Brazil and Mexico continued to support her candidacy. The United Nations formally recorded Chile’s withdrawal in its public selection process.

Her departure reduces the field of candidates seeking to replace Guterres. The selection process is conducted through consultations and straw polls in the Security Council before the council recommends a candidate to the 193-member General Assembly. The General Assembly then formally appoints the secretary-general.

The race has attracted candidates from several regions, including former Costa Rican Vice President Rebeca Grynspan, Guyana’s UN Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, former Ecuadorian Foreign Minister María Fernanda Espinosa and other senior international figures. The latest Security Council straw poll placed Grynspan narrowly ahead of Rodrigues-Birkett, although the process remains subject to further consultations and agreement among council members.

Bachelet’s withdrawal also comes at a significant moment for the United Nations, which is preparing for a change of leadership while facing conflicts, geopolitical tensions, development challenges and debates over the future of multilateral cooperation. The next secretary-general will inherit responsibility for representing the organisation internationally and coordinating its work across a wide range of global issues.

Although her campaign has ended, Bachelet said she intended to continue her international engagement. Her decision leaves the remaining candidates to compete for the support required to advance through the Security Council before the final appointment is considered by the General Assembly.