There is widespread interest among General Assembly states in expressing their preferences on candidates ahead of Security Council deliberations, expected in July 2026. This could take the form of more formal measures such as the holding of straw polls on candidates or informal routes such as public endorsements at a national or regional level.
Another route for a member state to indicate support for a candidate is by adding its backing as a ‘co-nominator’ for their preferred candidate. This option has the advantage over straw polls in that it could be led organically by member states as opposed to requiring a PGA-led process, would be formally recorded on the candidate page of the UN’s website and would not require availability in the GA’s busy schedule.
Rules adopted by consensus in the GA last year, as well as subsequent practice, make it clear that a candidate’s nomination may be backed by multiple states, including countries of which the candidate is not a citizen. The rules further state that each state “may nominate only one candidate, individually or jointly with other Member States” and that “if a candidate withdraws, the nominating Member State may subsequently nominate another candidate”.
The accrual of nominations could also be a useful tool to enable candidates to demonstrate the progression of their candidacy.
The accumulation of a broad, cross-regional list of nominating states may also address various pressures relevant to candidates with a single nominating state, including perceptions of patronage and changes to the domestic political landscape of that country. As illustrated in the case of Chile’s withdrawal of their nomination of Michelle Bachelet, a candidacy remains viable as long as it has the backing of at least one nominating state.
If widely used, this route has the potential to provide a powerful mapping of the General Assembly’s preference with respect to candidates, drawing on the well-established practice of co-sponsorship for resolutions.
The President of the General Assembly could play a useful role in boosting the General Assembly’s voice by promoting this opportunity.
It is important for the integrity of the process and the legitimacy of the outcome that the Security Council’s recommendation on candidates be guided by the views of the General Assembly. Quantifiable mechanisms such as the accumulation of nominators can helpfully inform the Security Council’s assessment of candidates and claim a more meaningful role for the General Assembly in the process.
Our latest explainer discusses the various options for states in the GA to express their views on candidates.
Image: Screenshot from candidate page of the UN’s website - this is where the names o co-nominating states would be added