Former Senegalese President Macky Sall has withdrawn his candidacy for United Nations secretary-general, saying the move was intended to help foster international consensus around the selection of the next UN chief.
In a statement, Sall said his decision followed extensive consultations and the outcome of Security Council straw polls.
- Advertisement -
Those informal polls indicated a preference for a candidate from Latin America or the Caribbean, according to Sall.
Decision follows consultations
Sall said he had chosen to step aside in light of the consultations and the signals emerging from the Security Council process.
He framed his withdrawal as an effort to support a broader consensus rather than prolong a contest in which members appeared to favour a candidate from another region.
Regional preference cited
The former president said the straw polls pointed to support for a nominee from Latin America or the Caribbean.
The development places regional representation at the centre of the process to choose the next secretary-general, with Sall’s withdrawal removing one candidate from consideration.
Focus on consensus
Sall’s statement did not provide further details on the consultations or the straw-poll results. His decision, however, underscores the importance of consensus among Security Council members in the selection process.
Axadle Times will continue to follow developments in the race for the next United Nations secretary-general.