UN won’t vote electronically in Security Council election

UN diplomats will vote on new Security Council members in person despite the coronavirus pandemic Johannes (AFP) 

UNITED NATIONS AFP May15, 2020 - The UN General Assembly will cast ballots in-person for five new non-permanent Security Council seats, its president said Thursday, effectively ruling out electronic voting despite the coronavirus pandemic.   

In a letter to UN members obtained by AFP, President Tijjani Muhammad-Bande said that voting members would be “invited to visit the venue at the designated time slot communicated to them in advance” in order to cast their ballot.   

Mexico and India are guaranteed a spot on the Council as the only countries in the running to represent Latin America and Asia respectively.   Ireland, Norway and Canada will compete among themselves for two more seats. Meanwhile Kenya and Djibouti will vie for the only spot reserved for Africa.   

According to the letter, the 193 General Assembly members will vote “by secret ballot without a plenary meeting.” Although no location was given, the vote is likely to be held at UN headquarters.