Zimbabwe elected to UN Security Council with highest votes

The UN General Assembly elected five non‑permanent members to the Security Council on Wednesday, including Zimbabwe, for a two‑year term beginning in January 2027. The new members will replace Denmark, Greece, Pakistan, Panama and Somalia.

Austria, Portugal, Trinidad and Tobago, Zimbabwe and Kyrgyzstan won the elections. Portugal received 134 votes, Austria 131, Trinidad and Tobago 181, Zimbabwe 182, and Kyrgyzstan 142.

Kyrgyzstan and the Philippines competed for the Asia‑Pacific Group’s single seat. After two rounds without a two‑thirds majority, Kyrgyzstan won the third round with 142 votes against 49 for the Philippines. This will be Kyrgyzstan’s first term as a non‑permanent member.

Zimbabwe has previously served two terms on the Council, Austria and Portugal three terms each, and Trinidad and Tobago one term.

The Security Council has five permanent members – China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States – and 10 non‑permanent members elected for two‑year terms. Five are elected each year.

Seats are allocated by region: two for Africa, one for Asia‑Pacific, one for Latin America and the Caribbean, and one for Eastern Europe. Candidates need at least 128 votes (two‑thirds of UN member states) to be elected.

SOURCE: AA