Archive · 20 Sep 2026
Chile’s Bachelet Withdraws From Race to Lead United Nations
Michelle Bachelet was trying to become the next leader of the United Nations.
She was previously president of Chile and led the United Nations human rights office.
She decided to stop running for the job.
She announced this in a video on Instagram.
Her campaign had not gained enough support from important United Nations Security Council members.
A recent informal poll showed that her support had almost disappeared.
Rebeca Grynspan of Costa Rica was ahead in that poll.
Seven candidates are still in the race, and more could join later.
Former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet withdrew her candidacy to become the next United Nations secretary-general.
Bachelet announced the decision in an Instagram video, saying she would continue her international work.
Her withdrawal followed a third informal Security Council straw poll in which her support had nearly collapsed.
Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan led that poll, while seven candidates remain in the contest.
António Guterres is due to complete his second five-year term on December 31, 2026.
- Who
- Former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet withdrew from the United Nations secretary-general race; seven candidates remain.
- What
- Bachelet ended her candidacy to succeed Secretary-General António Guterres.
- When
- She announced the decision on Saturday, September 20; Guterres’s term ends December 31, 2026.
- Where
- The announcement was made in an Instagram video; the report was filed from Geneva.
- Why
- Her campaign had struggled to gain support among Security Council members, and a third informal poll showed her support had nearly collapsed.
- Candidate
- Michelle Bachelet
- Position sought
- United Nations secretary-general
- Candidates remaining
- Seven, although additional candidates may still enter
- Poll leader
- Rebeca Grynspan of Costa Rica
- Current secretary-general
- António Guterres
- Guterres’s term ends
- December 31, 2026
- Selection process
- The Security Council will recommend one candidate to the 193-member General Assembly