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2020 United Nations Security Council election

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2020 United Nations Security Council election
← 2019 17–18 June 2020 2021 →
5 (of 10) non-permanent seats on the United Nations Security Council
United Nations Security Council membership after the elections
  Permanent members
  Non-permanent members
Members before election
 South Africa >(Africa)
 Indonesia (Asia–Pacific)
 Dominican Republic (GRULAC)
 Belgium (WEOG)
 Germany (WEOG)

Elected Members
 Kenya (Africa)
 India (Asia–Pacific)
 Mexico (GRULAC)
 Ireland (WEOG)
 Norway (WEOG)

The 2020 United Nations Security Council election was held on 17 and 18 June 2020 during the 74th session of the United Nations General Assembly, held at United Nations Headquarters in New York City. The elections were for five non-permanent seats on the UN Security Council for two-year mandates commencing on 1 January 2021.

In accordance with the Security Council's rotation rules, whereby the ten non-permanent UNSC seats rotate among the various regional blocs into which UN member states traditionally divide themselves for voting and representation purposes,[1] the five available seats were allocated as follows:

In order of votes received, the countries elected were Mexico, India, Norway, and Ireland, with Kenya elected after a second round of voting the following day against Djibouti in a run off vote. These five members will serve on the Security Council for the 2021–22 period.

The elections were held under special conditions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with ambassadors only allowed to enter the General Assembly Hall one-by-one to cast their ballots instead of the simultaneous voting that usually takes place.[2]

Candidates

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African Group

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Asia-Pacific Group

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Withdrawn

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Latin America and the Caribbean

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Western European and Others Group

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Withdrawn

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Campaign

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African Group

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The African Group seat was contested between Kenya and Djibouti. The seat traditionally rotates between different African subregions, with a single candidate agreed upon from the appropriate subregion for that cycle, and therefore is rarely contested. East Africa was due to be represented in this election, and though the Permanent Representatives' Committee of the African Union endorsed Kenya for the seat by a margin of 37–13, Djibouti challenged this result, emphasizing that Kenya had already served twice on the Security Council[13] and alleging that it was unfairly dismissed because both African countries already on the Security Council were also Francophone.[14]

During the campaign, both countries emphasized their contributions to UN peacekeeping missions.[13] Kenya's platform was centered around a 10-point pledge unveiled by Cabinet Secretary for Foreign Affairs Monica Juma at a campaign launch in Addis Ababa in 2019. The ten points were building bridges, peacekeeping and support operations, regional peace and security, counterterrorism, women peace and security, youth empowerment, humanitarian action, justice, human rights and democracy, and environment and climate change.[15] Juma promised that Kenya would use its seat to promote cooperation between the UN Security Council and the Peace and Security Council of the African Union, noting that the powerful states in the UN had refrained from providing support to African Union Mission to Somalia and that this may set a precedent without further action.[16] Kenya accused Djibouti of bringing "dishonor and disrepute to the African Union" by refusing to exit the race, while Djibouti described the process of the AU nomination as "illegal."[17] Additionally, Kenya highlighted its support for the government and refugees of Somalia and South Sudan as examples of its international responsibility.

Kenya was considered the favorite due to having the support from the African Union, but Djibouti received backing from the Organization for Islamic Cooperation, Arab League, and Organisation internationale de la Francophonie and campaigned aggressively to the end.[18] Djibouti criticized Kenya for its border dispute with Somalia, suggesting that it was therefore unfit to resolve disputes and handle matters of international security.[19] It also played up its strategic location and being the site of military bases for Eastern and Western great powers alike.[13] While both candidates claimed to have Chinese support, Africa experts including Roba Sharamo of the Institute for Security Studies and political scientist Martin Oloo alleged that China was responsible for encouraging the challenge from Djibouti, while Kenya was the preferred candidate of the Western countries.[14]

Western European and Others Group

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The Western European and Others Group race between Ireland, Norway, and Canada was projected to be a closely contested one.[20] In 2018, Ireland invited UN diplomats to a concert by Irish rock band U2 while Canada did the same for a Celine Dion concert.[21] In 2019, Canada attempted to garner support for its campaign by serving poutine to UN diplomats, while Norway responded by distributing waffles, a popular Nordic food, and Ireland hosted a Saint Patrick's Day party at the UN.[22]

Diplomats viewed Norway as being favored for a seat on the Security Council, given its longstanding commitment to diplomatic engagement and multilateralism.[23] Norway was the largest contributor per capita to the UN budget of the three candidates, and the most generous donor of foreign assistance in the world, donating more than 1% of its GDP for international development.[24] Norway's history of diplomatic engagement in mediating conflicts in Latin America and the Middle East also strengthened its candidacy.[20]

Ireland emphasized its unique perspective as a small island nation[21] and its strong, long-lasting commitment to international security and multilateralism. Ireland had 628 officers deployed in UN peacekeeping missions, making it among the largest per capita contributors of peacekeeping forces, and it possessed a reliable record of support for peacekeeping operations since 1958.[24] It was also speculated that it would have benefited from having the support of the member states of the European Union by dint of being the only member in the race.[20] Ireland was seen as having the sympathies of some diplomats for having spent the least amount of time of the three candidates as a member of the Security Council in the past.[22]

Canada had lost its previous attempt to secure a seat in 2010, leading to contentious domestic political debate over the failed campaign.[21] Canada intensified its efforts for 2020, hiring 13 full-time staff and spending $1.74 million on the campaign, exceeded only by Norway's $2.8 million in campaign expenses. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Foreign Minister François-Philippe Champagne both played active roles in the campaign.[25] However, obstacles to Canada's bid included its having spent the longest time as an elected member of the Security Council of the three candidates[22] and its consistent voting record in support of Israel.[24]

Results

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COVID-19 presented new difficulties to the traditional electoral process. Campaigning plans among the candidates in the months preceding the election were cancelled and replaced with "lobbying via phone and Zoom," and ambassadors submitted their ballots in the UN General Assembly Hall at staggered, prearranged time slots while wearing masks.[20][2]

Four of the five vacant Security Council seats were filled during the first round of voting, while the African Group required a second round of voting before one country received the requisite two-thirds majority.[26]

African and Asia-Pacific Groups

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Day 1

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African and Asia-Pacific Groups election results[27]
Member Round 1
 India 184
 Kenya 113
 Djibouti 78
valid ballots 192
abstentions 0
present and voting 192
required majority 128

India easily secured the uncontested Asia-Pacific seat with 184 votes, guaranteeing an 8th term as a non-permanent member of the Security Council.[28] Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated the outcome on Twitter, reiterating that "India will work with all member countries to promote global peace, security, resilience and equity." Meanwhile, the Ministry of External Affairs emphasized India's commitment to reform of the UN Security Council, which it considers to be "a body completely out of sync with changes global realities," under the "New Orientation for a Reformed Multilateral System (NORMS)" approach of External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar."[29]

Day 2

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African and Asia-Pacific Groups election results[27]
Member Round 1
 Kenya 129
 Djibouti 62
valid ballots 191
invalid ballots 1
abstentions 0
present and voting 191
required majority 128

In the second round of voting for the African Group, Kenya exceeded a two-thirds majority by just a single vote, earning a seat at the Security Council and joining Tunisia and Niger as the third African member in 2021. President Kenyatta called the victory a "demonstration of the country’s growing profile and influence in the community of nations as a steadfast and dependable development partner" and thanked Djibouti for being a "worthwhile opponent."[30] He also reaffirmed Kenya's commitment to its 10-point agenda outlined during the campaign and promised to "endeavor to consolidate and voice Africa's position in the Security Council."[31] Djiboutian Foreign Minister Mahamoud Ali Youssouf congratulated Kenya on Twitter and wished it success during its term.[32]

Latin America and Caribbean Group

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Latin American and Caribbean Group election results[27]
Member Round 1
 Mexico 187
valid ballots 192
abstentions 5
present and voting 187
required majority 125

Mexico won the uncontested Latin American and Caribbean Group with an overwhelming majority of the vote. This will be the first time Mexico has a seat on the Security Council since 2009–2010, and its fifth term overall. President Andrés Manuel López Obrador promised to use the seat to promote peaceful cooperation and defend the principle of self-determination instead of military cooperation and the impositions of major powers.[33][34]

Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard celebrated the outcome on Twitter, declaring it a "great recognition for our country in the whole world."[35][36]

Western European and Others Group

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Western European and Others Group election results[27]
Member Round 1
 Norway 130
 Ireland 128
 Canada 108
valid ballots 192
abstentions 1
present and voting 191
required majority 128

Norway and Ireland barely surpassed the two-thirds majority required to be elected in the first round of voting, while Canada fell 20 votes short.

Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg and Foreign Minister Ine Marie Eriksen Søreide celebrated the outcome, with Solberg assuring that Norway will strive to remain on good terms with China, Russia, and the United States, and Søreide asserting Norway is "convinced we can contribute something at the UN."[37] Opposition leader Jonas Gahr Støre thanked the government for taking over the successful campaign that began under a Labour Party government, and expressed hope that the Security Council would pay more attention to conflict prevention rather than simply conflict response.[37]

Irish Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said that his country would use the seat "to advance the causes we've championed, peace and security, conflict resolution, reconciliation, climate action, sustainable development, and gender equality."[38][39]

In Canada, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expressed optimism that the unsuccessful campaign had "opened new doors for cooperation to address global challenges, and created new partnerships that increased Canada's place in the world." Meanwhile, opposition leader Andrew Scheer criticized the campaign as "another foreign affairs failure for Justin Trudeau," accusing him of "[selling] out Canada's principles for a personal vanity project."[40]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ United Nations General Assembly Session 18 Resolution 1991. Question of equitable representation on the Security Council and the Economic and Social Council A/RES/1991(XVIII)
  2. ^ a b United Nations General Assembly Session 74 Decision 67. Procedure for holding elections by secret ballot without a plenary meeting during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic A/74/L.67 22 May 2020. Retrieved 21 June 2020.
  3. ^ "Kenya secures AU endorsement for UN seat". The East African. Retrieved 22 September 2019.
  4. ^ Djibouti, The Republic of. "Djibouti Launches Its Official Election Campaign for Non-permanent Membership of the UN Security Council". www.prnewswire.com. Retrieved 7 December 2019.
  5. ^ "India puts in candidacy for 2021-2022 UNSC non-permanent seat". @businessline. 5 December 2013.
  6. ^ Kumar, Ankit. "CHOOSING BETWEEN ALLIES AND UNSC SEAT: INDIA'S CATCH 22 SITUATION" (PDF). Centre for Air Power studies. Archived from the original (PDF) on 29 April 2014. Retrieved 28 April 2014.
  7. ^ "México con probabilidades de un asiento en el consejo de seguridad". El Universal. 7 January 2020. Retrieved 7 January 2020.
  8. ^ "Trudeau unveils Canada's plan to seek 2021 UN Security Council seat". Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. 16 March 2016. Retrieved 16 March 2016.
  9. ^ "Department of Foreign Affairs". Irish Government showcase ireland.ie. Archived from the original on 21 June 2020. Retrieved 12 October 2018.
  10. ^ "Norway and the United Nations: Common Future, Common Solutions". Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Norway. Archived from the original on 21 August 2013. Retrieved 21 August 2013.
  11. ^ "Switzerland's candidature for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the 2023–2024 term" (PDF). Swiss Federal Council. 5 June 2015. Retrieved 1 November 2015.
  12. ^ "PM invokes Canada's peacekeeping past in seeking UN Security Council seat". Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. 20 March 2016. Retrieved 25 April 2017.
  13. ^ a b c "Seven nations vie for five UN Security Council seats". 17 June 2020. Retrieved 19 June 2020.
  14. ^ a b Cascals, Antonio (18 June 2020). "Kenya vs. Djibouti: Who will represent Africa on the UN Security Council?". Deutsche Welle. Retrieved 19 June 2020.
  15. ^ "Kenya launches UNSC seat campaigns on 10-point agenda". The Brief. 17 September 2019. Archived from the original on 26 June 2020. Retrieved 19 June 2020.
  16. ^ Mutambo, Aggrey. "Kenya's 10-point pledge for Africa at UN Security Council". Daily Nation. Archived from the original on 23 June 2020. Retrieved 19 June 2020.
  17. ^ Kiruga, Morris (16 June 2020). "Djibouti refuses to bow out of race against Kenya for seat at UNSC". The Africa Report. Retrieved 19 June 2020.
  18. ^ Wilson, Gary (15 October 2019). "Kenya has a strong claim in bid for Security Council seat". Retrieved 19 June 2020.
  19. ^ Mutambo, Aggrey (19 September 2019). "Battle for UN Security Council seat: Kenya, Djibouti take 'war' to New York". Retrieved 19 June 2020.
  20. ^ a b c d Besheer, Margaret (16 June 2020). "COVID-19 Reshapes UN Security Council Election". Voice of America. Retrieved 18 June 2020.
  21. ^ a b c Murphy, Jessica (15 June 2020). "The lengths countries go to for a seat at UN top table". BBC News. Retrieved 19 June 2020.
  22. ^ a b c Fillion, Stephanie (27 March 2019). "Canada, Ireland and Norway, Now Vying for the 2020 UN Security Council Vote". PassBlue. Retrieved 19 June 2020.
  23. ^ Fisher, Matthew (10 June 2020). "Canada badly wants a seat on the UN Security Council. Are other countries listening?". Global News. Retrieved 19 June 2020.
  24. ^ a b c Dyer, Evan (24 September 2018). "Canada faces steep odds in battle to join UN Security Council". CBC. Retrieved 18 June 2018.
  25. ^ Harris, Kathleen (17 June 2020). "Canada loses its bid for seat on UN Security Council". CBC. Retrieved 18 June 2020.
  26. ^ "Turkish diplomat elected President of historic 75th UN General Assembly". UN News. 17 June 2020. Retrieved 18 June 2020.
  27. ^ a b c d United Nations General Assembly Session 74 Verbatim record 62. A/74/PV.62 page 12. 3 September 2020 at 10 a.m. Retrieved 2 August 2024.
  28. ^ "India set for comfortable victory in UN Security Council elections". The Tribune. 17 June 2020. Retrieved 19 June 2020.
  29. ^ Chaturvedi, Amit (18 June 2020). "After India's election to UNSC, PM Modi thanks global community for 'overwhelming support'". Hindustan Times. Retrieved 19 June 2020.
  30. ^ "Kenya defeats Djibouti for African Security Council seat". 19 June 2020. Retrieved 19 June 2020.
  31. ^ Wanjohi, John (18 June 2020). "Kenya Secures Slot in the Powerful UN Security Council". Mwakilishi. Retrieved 19 June 2020.
  32. ^ Besheer, Margaret (18 June 2020). "Kenya Wins UN Security Council Seat by 2 Votes". Voice of America. Retrieved 19 June 2020.
  33. ^ "Mexico to push for development from UN Security Council". Associated Press. Mexico City. 18 June 2020. Retrieved 20 June 2020.
  34. ^ Corona, Sonia (17 June 2020). "México vuelve al Consejo de Seguridad de la ONU después de 10 años" [Mexico returns to the United Nations Security Council after 10 years]. El País (in Spanish). Retrieved 20 June 2020.
  35. ^ "With no competition, Mexico wins seat on UN Security Council". Mexico News Daily. 17 June 2020. Retrieved 20 June 2020.
  36. ^ "México, elegido para ocupar un lugar en el Consejo de Seguridad de la ONU por primera vez desde 2010" [Mexico elected to sit on the United Nations Security Council for the first time since 2010]. El Financiero (in Spanish). 17 June 2020. Retrieved 20 June 2020.
  37. ^ a b Berglund, Nina (18 June 2020). "Norway wins seat on Security Council". newsinenglish.no. Retrieved 19 June 2020.
  38. ^ Besheer, Margaret (17 June 2020). "4 Countries Win Seats on UN Security Council; 5th Goes to Runoff". Voice of America. Retrieved 19 June 2020.
  39. ^ "Ireland wins seat on UN Security Council". BBC News. 17 June 2020. Retrieved 19 June 2020.
  40. ^ Harris, Kathleen (17 June 2020). "Canada loses its bid for seat on UN Security Council". CBC. Retrieved 19 June 2020.
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