UNITED NATIONS, June 6. The United Nations General Assembly elected Greece, Denmark, Pakistan, Panama, and Somalia as the next new non-permanent Security Council members, set to take office from January 1, 2025. These countries will replace Malta, Mozambique, Switzerland, Ecuador, and Japan, whose terms in the council are due to expire on December 31, 2024.
Elections for non-permanent Security Council members differ from those of resolutions, where the voting patterns of individual countries are displayed on a big screen. Instead, elections for non-permanent Security Council memberships are held by secret ballot. In this particular instance, the voting process proceeded without any notable incidents or rivalries between countries vying for seats.
The United Nations Security Council consists of 10 non-permanent members and five permanent members – Russia, the UK, China, the US, and France. These permanent members hold veto powers, while the non-permanent members do not possess such authority.
The new non-permanent Security Council members will bring their unique perspectives to the table, as they join the existing council members in addressing pressing global issues and working towards maintaining international peace and security. As Greece, Denmark, Pakistan, Panama, and Somalia take up their seats on January 1, 2025, they will undoubtedly contribute to shaping the course of the Security Council’s actions over the next two years.
The process of electing non-permanent members to the Security Council is an essential component of the United Nations’ democratic system. By engaging in this secret ballot, member countries maintain a level of confidentiality while collectively determining which nations will serve on the council and help guide its decision-making process. The absence of any contentious debates or power struggles during this election demonstrates the respect and trust among participating nations for the integrity of this process.
Overall, the selection of Greece, Denmark, Pakistan, Panama, and Somalia as new non-permanent members of the Security Council marks an important milestone in the United Nations’ efforts to promote peace and stability around the world. As these countries take on their new roles, they will have the opportunity to make a significant impact on the global stage, working alongside their fellow council members to address pressing issues and shape the future of international relations.