Former Chilean president Michelle Bachelet withdraws from UN secretary-general race

Michelle Bachelet, the former president of Chile, withdrew her candidacy for the position of United Nations secretary-general. Her decision followed a straw poll among Security Council members. The poll indicated a decline in her support, placing her near the bottom of the eight candidates.

Bachelet's withdrawal leaves seven individuals vying for the leadership of the UN. Her departure signifies a shift in the dynamics of the selection process, which has historically seen candidates face challenges in securing broad consensus within the Security Council.