Brazil defends woman from the region to lead the UN
The Itamaraty released a statement reinforcing that the region has women 'up to the task' of taking charge of the UN, after Michelle Bachelet withdrew from the candidacy. Brazil has not yet decided who it will support in the election for the successor to António Guterres.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Itamaraty) released a note on Monday (21) in which it reinforced that the region has women "up to the height" of taking command of the United Nations (UN). The demonstration comes after former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet announced the withdrawal of her candidacy, which had the support of the Brazilian government.
Bachelet resigned from running for UN Secretary-General on Saturday after losing support from Chile. The Itamaraty note does not mention who Brazil will support with the resignation of the former president. According to members of the Brazilian diplomacy, there is still no definition of this name.
Context of Bachelet's candidacy
Bachelet’s candidacy was announced in a context where Chile was ruled by leftist Gabriel Boric. In March, when right-wing Antonio Kast had already assumed the country’s new president, the Chilean government withdrew support for the former president’s name.
With the withdrawal of Chilean support, Bachelet’s candidacy was turned over to Brazil and Mexico, two countries governed by leftist presidents (Lula and Cláudia Sheinbaum). The resignation of the former president, therefore, closes a diplomatic articulation that has already faced obstacles since the change of government in Chile.
Profile defended by Brazil
According to the note of Itamaraty, the profile to be supported by Brazil in the UN election should be that of someone committed to the principles of the organization, among which peace and security. The statement, however, did not detail additional criteria nor did it mention any applications under consideration.
The Brazilian diplomacy has not yet defined a name to support. The source did not detail whether there will be consultations with other countries in the region or if Brazil will wait for new applications before positioning itself.
Election process at the UN
The UN Secretary-General is elected by the General Assembly on the recommendation of the Security Council for a five-year term, with the possibility of re-election. The current leader of the organization, António Guterres, leaves his post on 31 December, after serving two consecutive terms.
The Secretary-General coordinates the work of the UN, participates in international negotiations, can mediate conflicts and draw the attention of the Security Council to crises that threaten peace. Despite its diplomatic influence, it has no power to impose decisions on countries on its own.
Scene of Dispute
The Security Council vote held in August placed former Guyana chancellor Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett as a favorite with eight votes in favour. The source did not detail whether Brazil supported this candidacy at the time.
President Lula is in New York (USA), where he will speak on Tuesday at the general debate of the United Nations General Assembly. The theme of succession at the UN is expected to be discussed in bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the event.
Next steps
With Bachelet’s resignation, Brazil will need to reevaluate its position in the dispute over the UN command. Itamaraty’s note signals that the country will continue to defend a female candidacy of the region, but without indicating deadlines or strategies.
Elections to the post are expected to take place in the coming months, and the outcome will depend on negotiations in the Security Council. The Boca no Trombone Portal will continue to monitor the unfolding of this diplomatic dispute.
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