The Maldives has withdrawn its nomination of Virginia Gamba for UN secretary-general, and Chile has backed out of its nomination of Michelle Bachelet, according to the General Assembly president’s spokesperson, La Neice Collins. That would effectively leave only one woman, Rebeca Grynspan Mayufis, on the ballot amid a clamour for a woman to head the 80-year-old organisation. It also narrows the field of candidates from five to three, the other two being men.

 

Nominations were closed on Wednesday, and from 20th April, the candidates will face three-hour interactive sessions during which they will present their case for leading the 193-member organisation and answer questions from diplomats and civil society representatives. Although the winner will need a simple majority in the General Assembly, the UN Charter says that the Assembly appoints the UN’s top official upon the recommendation of the Security Council.