The United Nations General Assembly has elected Austria, Kyrgyzstan, Portugal, Trinidad and Tobago, and Zimbabwe as the newest non-permanent members of the U.N. Security Council. The five nations will serve two-year terms beginning January 1, 2027.
The election, held on Wednesday, saw a significant upset for Germany. Despite an aggressive lobbying campaign, Germany finished third in the contest for the two seats allocated to the Western European and Others Group, securing 104 votes. Portugal (134 votes) and Austria (131 votes) ultimately claimed the seats.
The Asia-Pacific Group race proved equally competitive, requiring four rounds of voting before Kyrgyzstan secured its first-ever seat on the Council, defeating the Philippines by 142 votes to 49.
Incoming Council Members
The elected nations will replace outgoing members as follows:
- Zimbabwe replaces Somalia (Africa Group)
- Trinidad and Tobago replaces Panama (Latin American and Caribbean Group)
- Kyrgyzstan replaces Pakistan (Asia-Pacific Group)
- Portugal and Austria replace Denmark and Greece (Western European and Others Group)
These nations will join the five permanent, veto-wielding members—Britain, China, France, Russia, and the United States—on the 15-member body. The Security Council remains the only U.N. entity with the authority to issue legally binding decisions, including the imposition of sanctions and the authorization of the use of force.
Bahrain, Colombia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Latvia, and Liberia will continue their terms as non-permanent members through the end of 2027.
The election follows Tuesday’s selection of Bangladeshi Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman as the president of the 193-member General Assembly for its upcoming 81st session, which is set to begin in September. The story is from Reuters.
