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Grynspan Leads Third UN Chief Straw Poll

Chris Dalton · 2026-09-18T18:20:15.988Z

Grynspan's lead with nine encouragements looks promising for someone with her economic policy experience.

Grynspan Leads Third UN Chief Straw Poll — © IJR

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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.