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Countries chosen for cyclical representation

Uncontested elections on Tuesday granted five nations a seat on the United Nations Security Council for a two-year term commencing in January. This influential, contentious division of the UN will witness these countries assume their positions.

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Five nations successfully secured UN Security Council seats in an unopposed vote on Tuesday....
Five nations successfully secured UN Security Council seats in an unopposed vote on Tuesday. Commencing in January, these nations will embark on a two-year tenure within the influential and contentious branch of the United Nations.

Countries chosen for cyclical representation

Five Nations Secure UN Security Council Seats in Landslide Votes

In a resounding victory for global unity, five countries clinched seats on the United Nations Security Council on Tuesday, setting sail for a two-year voyage starting January 2026. These nations will join the ranks of the most influential and divisive organ of the UN, a powerhouse that has navigated through squalls of geopolitical tensions.

The General Assembly, a 193-member body, held a secret ballot election to fill the five rotating seats on the Security Council, a body of 15 members. Here are the winners and their vote tallies:

  • Bahrain: 186 votes
  • Democratic Republic of Congo: 183 votes
  • Liberia: 181 votes
  • Colombia: 180 votes
  • Latvia: 178 votes

This accolade will mark Latvia's debut on the Council. Once a nation forcibly integrated into the Soviet Union, it regained independence following the Soviet Union's dissolution in 1991.

Following the election, Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Broka addressed the media, expressing her country's readiness to shoulder this responsibility. She emphasized, "Our historical experience allows us to understand, empathize, and forge partnerships with all regions of the world." Broka underscored the value of freedom and the fragility of peace, pledging multilateral efforts towards justice and lasting peace in Ukraine, alleviating suffering in the Middle East, Gaza, Africa, and other troubled regions.

Bahrain will step up as the Arab representative on the Security Council. Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani spoke about the country's second consecutive election, stating that this reinforces its commitment to actively contribute to international peace and security. He highlighted the importance of resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict as "the cornerstone of peace in the region." Immediate action, he proposed, includes a ceasefire, humanitarian aid for Gaza, the release of hostages, progress towards a two-state solution, and a viable Palestinian state.

As the new council members begin their term in 2026, they will replace Algeria, Guyana, South Korea, Sierra Leone, and Slovenia. The newly elected members come prepared with ambitious objectives, including advocating for global peace and security, advancing regional interests, championing human rights, and strengthening multilateralism.

While each country's priorities may differ, Liberia will aim to return after a 64-year absence with a focus on peacebuilding, post-conflict reconstruction, and youth empowerment. The Democratic Republic of Congo, already hosting a UN peacekeeping mission, will prioritize conflict resolution, peacekeeping, and addressing destabilizing factors in the region. Bahrain will aim to foster dialogue, stability in the Middle East, and cooperation on security and economic issues. Colombia will emphasize conflict resolution, peace processes, and addressing the impact of illicit economies. Latvia, representing Eastern Europe, will concentrate on regional security, cyber security, and upholding international law.

These countries embark on their UN journey at a critical time, prepared to navigate global challenges to align with the principles of the UN Charter.

The newly elected countries, Latvia and Bahrain, are set to bring their unique perspectives to the table as they tackle global issues within the realm of policy-and-legislation and politics. As Latvia emphasizes regional security, cyber security, and upholding international law, Bahrain is determined to foster dialogue, stability in the Middle East, and cooperation on security and economic issues.

Recognizing the fragility of peace and the value of justice, each country will address general-news issues that span across continents, such as the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, suffering in the Middle East, Gaza, Africa, and other troubled regions. The environmental implications of these conflicts and the opportunities for sustainable peacebuilding will undoubtedly be a part of the discourse as they navigate their UN journey, aligned with the principles of the UN Charter.

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