A high-profile bid for the United Nations secretary-general role has ended abruptly as Michelle Bachelet, Chile’s former president, withdrew her candidacy amid dwindling support in a Security Council straw poll. The move leaves seven candidates still in the running for the top UN position, as Bachelet’s campaign failed to secure sufficient backing from member states. Though she cited a commitment to ongoing international work, her departure marks a significant shift in the race’s dynamics. The decision underscores the challenges faced by contenders seeking broad consensus in the competitive selection process.


Former president of Chile drops out after support collapsed in security council straw poll, leaving seven candidates in contestMichelle Bachelet, a former president of Chile, has withdrawn her candidacy to become the next secretary general of the ⁠UN, ending an attempt ​that had struggled to gain traction among security council members.Bachelet, 74, announced ⁠her decision in a video posted on Instagram on Saturday, saying: “I will now continue, with the ⁠same determination as always, my international work.” Continue reading...