The UN Security Council straw polls open the decisive phase of the race for Secretary-General. Through these informal ballots, the fifteen Council members gauge, candidate by candidate, the support each contender for António Guterres's succession commands before recommending a candidate to the General Assembly. Each member marks "encourage", "discourage" or "no opinion"; the ten elected members cast two thirds of the votes, and the five permanent members retain their veto at the final stage.

Before these ballots, the six contenders appear at the same tribune in the General Assembly Hall, live on UN Web TV. Organised by the Office of the President of the General Assembly with the support of Bloomberg, the exercise puts to all of them, for the first time, the same questions from delegations and UN staff as well as from civil society.

President Macky Sall brings to it a simple compass: listen, then act. His vision is of an inclusive, action-oriented United Nations, faithful to the Charter's three pillars: peace and security; human rights; sustainable development. That UN opens itself to partnerships with civil society and young people as well as with the private sector. He wants a streamlined Organisation, able to do better with less and accountable to every member state, large as well as small.

The only African candidate in the race, President Macky Sall entered the contest on 2 March 2026, nominated by Burundi. Since 20 July, he has carried Senegal's candidacy. The Government and Senegal's entire diplomatic network are mobilised, in the words of the official communiqué, in the service of Africa and of a more effective multilateralism. His experience is the foundation, with twelve years as Head of State and the chairmanship of the African Union in 2022. He spoke for the continent through the food, health and energy crises.

Six candidacies have been submitted to date. This week, the Security Council straw polls will set out the hierarchy of the race; the General Assembly will then appoint the next Secretary-General, whose term begins on 1 January 2027.

Africa at its heart, the world in its sights.

Learn more: www.mackysall.net