Pakistan Anticipates Success in Securing Non-Permanent UNSC Seat

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New York, As the United Nations General Assembly convenes on Thursday to elect five non-permanent members of the Security Council, Pakistan and other candidates have intensified their lobbying efforts for a seat on the influential body.

According to Kashmir Media Service, the elected members will serve a two-year term from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2026, replacing Japan, Ecuador, Malta, Mozambique, and Switzerland. The primary responsibility of the Security Council, as stipulated by the UN Charter, is to maintain international peace and security.

Pakistan, a seven-term candidate, is running unopposed for the Asian seat, which will be vacated by Japan. Pakistan has previously served on the Council during the terms 2012-13, 2003-04, 1993-94, 1983-84, 1976-77, 1968-69, and 1952-53.

The Security Council comprises 15 countries, including five permanent members—China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States—who hold veto power over any resolution or decision. The 10 non-permanent members are elected by the General Assembly, consisting of all 193 UN member states, based on geographical distribution by region.

Voting for non-permanent members is conducted by secret ballot, and candidates must secure a two-thirds majority, or 128 votes, even if running uncontested. In the event a candidate does not achieve the necessary votes, re-polls are conducted until the required number is attained. Should a deadlock occur, compromise candidates are introduced.

The Pakistan delegation, led by Ambassador Munir Akram, has been working diligently for months in coordination with the foreign ministry and Pakistani embassies worldwide. The delegation remains confident of securing the seat. If elected, Ambassador Akram stated that Pakistan would focus on promoting international peace and security and the peaceful resolution of conflicts and disputes in line with the UN Charter’s principles and purposes.

In other contests, Somalia and Mauritius are candidates for one African seat, while Denmark and Greece are competing for one Western European seat. Panama is the sole candidate for the Latin American seat.