Grynspan Leads Third UN Chief Straw Poll

Rebeca Grynspan topped the third informal UN Security Council straw poll on Friday, September 18, 2026, to succeed António Guterres when his term ends in December. Guyana's Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett placed second among eight candidates. One discourage vote from any permanent member can block a contender. A US State Department official said Thursday that any new secretary-general must return the UN to peace and security "rather than the absurd, politicized, woke ideology that has undermined the institution's effectiveness." On talk of a compromise pick, an unnamed diplomat said: "If that happens in a way that's not transparent... then we have a problem." Later rounds will use different-colored ballots for the five permanent members so vetoes can be spotted without naming the country. Report.az says rival candidate Rosemary DiCarlo led the August poll; Yahoo says Rodrigues-Birkett did. TASS listed weaker results for Otunnu, Grossi, and Sall. More straw polls are expected before a recommendation goes to the General Assembly. Daniel Forti of the International Crisis Group said another vote may follow high-level week, unconfirmed.