Former Chilean head of state and ex‑UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet announced her withdrawal from the race to become the next Secretary‑General of the United Nations. The decision follows the release of a poll that showed her candidacy lagging behind other contenders in terms of support from member nations.
According to Al Jazeera, the survey, which canvassed a sample of UN member states, placed Bachelet near the bottom of the list, prompting her to step aside before the formal selection process intensifies. The poll’s findings were interpreted as a signal that her platform had not resonated sufficiently across the diplomatic community.
Bachelet, who served two terms as Chile’s president and led the UN human‑rights office from 2018 to 2022, had entered the contest earlier this year, positioning herself as a candidate with extensive experience in both national governance and international affairs. Her campaign emphasized themes of gender equality, climate action, and the protection of human rights.
The withdrawal narrows the field of candidates, leaving a handful of diplomats and former officials still in contention. Analysts note that the remaining aspirants will now vie for the endorsement of the five permanent members of the Security Council, whose veto power can shape the final outcome.
UN officials have not commented on the poll’s methodology, but the organization’s secretariat confirmed that the selection process will continue according to the timetable established by the General Assembly. The next round of informal consultations among member states is slated for later this month.
Bachelet’s exit underscores the competitive nature of the secretariat race, where diplomatic alliances and regional blocs play a decisive role. Observers anticipate that the final vote, scheduled for early next year, will reflect a balance of geopolitical interests and the growing demand for reform within the UN system.
Reporting attribution: based on reporting by Al Jazeera — All News — original source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/9/20/michelle-bachelet-exits-un-chief-race-after-low-poll-support?traffic_source=rss.