Selection for next UN chief gets underway with first ‘straw poll’

The United Nations Security Council began the selection process for the next secretary general on Thursday, with a first “straw poll” held behind closed doors to evaluate support for candidates vying for the role at the embattled world body.
Antonio Guterres, the current UN chief, is set to complete his second five-year term on the final day of 2026, leaving the high-profile role open for a new leader whose first day would be January 1, 2027.
The 15-member Security Council is responsible for...