The UN elects Ecuador as a member of the Security Council for 2023 and 2024

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – The Ecuadorian candidacy, which arrived unopposed in the Latin American and Caribbean group, received the support of 190 of the 193 United Nations member states. Ecuador will replace Mexico, which ends its mandate at the end of this year, and will sit for the fourth time in history in the highest decision-making body of the UN.

During 2023, the other seat corresponding to Latin America and the Caribbean will continue to be occupied by Brazil, which is currently in the first of its two years in office. Ecuador, which is a founding member of the United Nations, will return to the Security Council for the first time since the 1991-1992 biennium. It had previously held a seat in 1950-1951 and in 1960-1961.

Read also: Check out our coverage on Ecuador

In addition to the Ecuadorian candidacy, the General Assembly today approved those of Japan, Malta, Mozambique and Switzerland, which also arrived unopposed in their respective regional groups. Japan obtained 184 votes in favor, Malta 195, Switzerland 187 and Mozambique 192, the total number of ballots cast in the vote, which is carried out by secret ballot.

MEXICO LEAVES, ECUADOR ENTERS

To be elected, a country needs to gather at least a two-thirds majority in the General Assembly. The new members will replace India, Ireland, Kenya, Mexico and Norway on January 1, which will have completed their two years on the Council by then, while five other non-permanent members (Albania, Brazil, Gabon, Ghana and the Emirates United Arab Emirates) have one more year to go.

Along with ten rotating seats, the Security Council is always made up of five permanent members, who also have veto power: the United States, China, Russia, France and the United Kingdom.