Michelle Bachelet exits UN chief race after low poll support
Former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet has withdrawn her candidacy for UN Secretary-General following poor results in recent Security Council straw polls. Her exit leaves several other international diplomats competing for the position.
Why it matters
The selection of the UN Secretary-General is a critical geopolitical process that influences global diplomacy and the direction of the United Nations.
Former Chilean president Michelle Bachelet ends bid to be the first woman to lead the United Nations.
x whatsapp-stroke copylink google Add Al Jazeera on Google info Former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet speaks during the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in Beijing, China, on May 14, 2017 [File: Lintao Zhang/Getty Images] By Al Jazeera Staff Published On 20 Sep 2026 20 Sep 2026 Former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet has withdrawn from the race to become the next United Nations secretary-general, ending her bid to become the first woman to lead the world body in its 80-year history.
Bachelet, 74, announced her decision on Saturday in a video posted on Instagram. “Today I announced that I have decided not to continue with my candidacy for the position of Secretary-General of the United Nations,” she said.
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