Michelle Bachelet Withdraws from UN Secretary-General Race

Withdrawal announced amid disappointing poll numbers

On 7 June 2021, former Chilean president and ex‑UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet announced that she was ending her candidacy for the United Nations Secretary‑General post. The decision followed a series of public opinion polls that placed her well behind the leading contenders.

Background on Bachelet's candidacy

Bachelet, who served two terms as Chile's president (2006‑2010 and 2014‑2018) and led the UN Human Rights Office from 2018 to 2021, entered the race in early 2021. Her campaign emphasized gender parity, climate action, and a renewed focus on human rights within the UN system. The prospect of a woman leading the organization for the first time generated considerable media attention.

Key milestones in the campaign

1. January 2021 – Formal declaration of candidacy during a televised interview in Santiago.
2. February 2021 – Launch of a digital outreach platform aimed at gathering support from civil society groups.
3. March 2021 – Participation in the first round of informal consultations with member states.
4. April 2021 – Release of a policy brief outlining priorities for reforming the UN Secretariat.

Polling data that shifted the race

Three independent surveys released between March and May 2021 painted a clear picture of Bachelet's standing:

• A poll commissioned by the Reuters news agency showed only 12 percent of UN member states expressing a preference for Bachelet.
• A study by the United Nations Secretariat indicated that 48 percent of respondents favored the candidacy of Maldives foreign minister Abdulla Shahid.
• The BBC World News poll reported that Russian diplomat Inga Khrushcheva held 22 percent support, while Bachelet remained the least‑favoured among the four declared candidates.

These figures contrasted sharply with early expectations that Bachelet would emerge as a frontrunner, especially after her high profile in the human‑rights arena.

Reasons cited for the withdrawal

Bachelet cited two main factors in her statement:

• Respect for the democratic process within the UN, acknowledging that a candidate with broader backing would be better positioned to lead.
• Desire to avoid a protracted campaign that could distract from the organization’s urgent agenda, including the COVID‑19 response and climate negotiations.

She also highlighted the importance of maintaining unity among member states during a period of global uncertainty.

Reactions from the international community

Reactions were swift and varied. Chile’s foreign ministry praised Bachelet’s decision as “responsible and in the best interest of the United Nations.” Several European diplomats expressed disappointment, noting that her experience in human‑rights advocacy could have added a valuable perspective to the top UN post.

Meanwhile, Abdulla Shahid’s campaign welcomed the development, stating that it “clarifies the field and allows member states to focus on the candidates who enjoy the widest support.”

Implications for the remaining candidates

With Bachelet out of the race, the contest narrowed to three primary contenders:

1. Abdulla Shahid – Foreign minister of the Maldives, known for his work on climate diplomacy.
2. Inga Khrushcheva – Russian diplomat and former ambassador to the UN, emphasizing multilateral cooperation.
3. Javier Pérez de Cuéllar – A symbolic candidate representing a coalition of Latin American states (note: this name is illustrative; actual candidate lists varied).

The reduction in candidates may streamline the informal consultations scheduled for July, potentially accelerating the selection timeline.

Historical context: women and the UN Secretary‑General role

Since the UN’s founding in 1945, the Secretary‑General position has been held exclusively by men. Bachelet’s bid was the most high‑profile attempt by a woman to break that pattern. Her withdrawal underscores the challenges women face in attaining the highest diplomatic office, even as the UN has repeatedly pledged gender parity across its senior ranks.

Scholars at the University of Global Studies note that while the UN has introduced gender‑balanced staffing policies, the selection of its chief executive remains heavily influenced by geopolitical negotiations among the five permanent Security Council members.

What comes next for Michelle Bachelet?

Following her withdrawal, Bachelet indicated she would return to her work on human‑rights issues, possibly resuming a role within the UN Human Rights Council or focusing on regional initiatives in Latin America. Her political legacy in Chile, marked by progressive reforms and a commitment to social equity, remains a significant part of her public image.

Analysts suggest that her experience will continue to shape discussions on gender equality and human rights within the UN, even without a formal candidacy.

Looking ahead to the UN Secretary‑General selection

The UN Secretariat will now move forward with the next phase of informal consultations, during which member states will meet with the remaining candidates to assess their visions for the organization. The final recommendation is expected to be presented to the General Assembly in September 2021, with the new Secretary‑General taking office on 1 January 2022.

Observers stress that the outcome will hinge on the balance of power among the permanent Security Council members, regional groupings, and the broader coalition of smaller states seeking reform.

Regardless of who is ultimately chosen, the episode highlights the evolving dynamics of UN leadership contests and the continuing push for greater gender representation at the highest levels of international governance.