Former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet announced on Saturday, September 19, 2026, that she is withdrawing her candidacy for Secretary-General of the United Nations, according to a video message shared on her Instagram account. Bachelet, who governed Chile from 2006 to 2010 and again from 2014 to 2018, stated that she decided not to continue with the bid after slipping in informal straw polls conducted among the 15 members of the UN Security Council.
Decline in Security Council Straw Polls
Bachelet’s candidacy lost momentum over the course of the informal voting rounds among the 15 Security Council members, dropping from fourth place in July down to seventh place in September, according to reporting by EFE and La Tercera. In the third round of informal polling held on Friday, September 19, 2026, she secured only one vote of support, as reported by ANSA. By contrast, Costa Rican candidate Rebeca Grynspan led the latest informal ballot with nine votes, followed by Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett of Guyana with eight votes, Rafael Grossi of Argentina with five votes, and Olara Otunnu of Uganda with five votes, according to ANSA.
Straw polls are non-binding and do not constitute a definitive election, as noted by ANSA. The decisive test in the selection process will occur when the five permanent members of the Security Council—the United States, China, Russia, France, and the United Kingdom—signal their intentions. Any of these permanent members can issue a veto, which would block a candidate from receiving the necessary recommendation from the Council, requiring at least nine favorable votes and zero vetoes, according to ANSA’s analysis.
Political Backing and Domestic Friction
Bachelet’s bid was initially championed by the administration of former Chilean President Gabriel Boric. However, following the inauguration of current President José Antonio Kast earlier this year, the Chilean government withdrew its official backing in March, arguing that her chances of success were very low.
Despite the domestic withdrawal of support from the current government, Bachelet received early backing from regional leaders. In her withdrawal announcement, she thanked Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum very specially for backing her candidacy from day one with generosity and conviction. ANSA noted that her campaign also drew thanks toward the people of Chile and global citizens who expressed support.
Did You Know? Michelle Bachelet previously served as the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights before launching her bid for the UN’s top diplomatic post.
Reflections on Multilateralism and Future Work
In her video statement, Bachelet defended the timing and purpose of her campaign, despite the challenging geopolitical climate. “Some will believe that this was not the time for a candidacy like the one I wanted to represent, when winds blow strongly against principles such as multilateralism, against international law permanently transgressed, against the existence of climate change that some deny despite scientific evidence,” she said. She added that democracy and rights remain in danger.
Reflecting on the outcome, Bachelet stated, “I do not regret having undertaken this great challenge. We contributed to installing in the global debate that the next General Secretariat must be a woman from Latin America.” She also affirmed her ongoing commitment to international affairs, stating that she will continue working toward peace, security, sustainable development, and human rights.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Michelle Bachelet withdraw her candidacy?
Bachelet withdrew after slipping in informal straw polls among UN Security Council members, dropping from fourth place in July to seventh place in September, and receiving only one vote of support in the third round of informal polling.
Did the Chilean government support her candidacy?
Her bid was initially backed by the administration of former President Gabriel Boric. However, current President José Antonio Kast withdrew official state backing in March, stating that her chances of success were very low.
Who led the latest informal UN voting round?
According to ANSA, Costa Rican candidate Rebeca Grynspan received the most votes in the third informal round with nine votes, followed by Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett of Guyana with eight.
What impact do you think regional alliances will have on the final selection of the next UN Secretary-General?
Keep reading