Will the General Assembly Continue to be Subservient to the P-5 Refusing to Challenge the Nominee for UN Chief?

Credit: Cia Pak / UNby Thalif Deen (united nations)Tuesday, September 15, 2026Inter Press Service UNITED NATIONS, September 15 (IPS) - As the race for the election of a new Secretary-General (UNSG) gathers momentum, the spotlight is on the 193-member General Assembly, the highest policy making body at the United Nations, which has refused to assert itself and continues to play a subservient role in the elections of UNSGs. Perhaps this year will be no exception either.According to Article 97 of the United Nations Charter, the Secretary-General is appointed by the General Assembly upon the recommendation of the Security Council (SC), which puts forward a single recommended candidate.Traditionally, the General Assembly (GA) has always approved that recommendation, usually by acclamation or a resolution But the GA has never rejected a SC nominee. Despite a growing demand for a female SG in the 81- year history of the UN, what if the SC nominee this year is a male candidate.?Isn’t it time for the GA to assert its authority and reject any candidates– male or female—who lacks the right credentials for the post of Chief Administrative Officer of the United Nations? Isn’t it also time for t...