Former Costa Rican Vice President Rebeca Grynspan has emerged as the narrow frontrunner in the latest informal United Nations Security Council poll for the next UN secretary-general, according to diplomats and sources familiar with the process.
The closed-door vote on Friday was the third informal poll conducted by the 15-member Security Council as countries consider candidates to succeed António Guterres, whose second term ends at the close of 2026.
Grynspan had also led the first informal poll held in July. However, Guyana’s UN ambassador, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, moved ahead in the second round held in August before Grynspan returned to the lead in the latest vote.
Eight candidates are currently seeking the position. The informal polls are intended to gauge the level of support for each candidate and help the Security Council assess the field before moving toward a formal recommendation.
The eventual choice will require agreement among the five permanent members of the Security Council — the United States, China, Russia, France and the United Kingdom — all of which have veto powers.
Grynspan, an economist and former vice president of Costa Rica, previously served as UN secretary-general of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). Her candidacy has made her one of the leading figures in the selection process.
Rodrigues-Birkett remains among the main contenders after leading the second informal vote. Other candidates in the race include senior international officials and former political leaders from several regions.
The informal poll results do not amount to a nomination or election. The Security Council must eventually recommend one candidate to the 193-member UN General Assembly, which will formally appoint the next secretary-general.
With Guterres due to leave office at the end of the year, further consultations and voting rounds are expected as Security Council members work toward a candidate who can secure the necessary support from the permanent members.
The latest result therefore provides an indication of the current diplomatic landscape rather than a final outcome, with the race still open as negotiations continue.