How are UN members elected?

Do you know how the members of the UN are elected? an international organization founded during the year 1945 after the incidence of the Second World War and in which 51 countries committed themselves to maintaining security and peace, fostering relations between them with a view to increasing social progress, giving rise to improvements of Human Rights and improve the standard of living of all citizens.

What is the UN?

The United Nations Organization identified and recognized throughout the world as the UN, is an institution within which nations meet to air and discuss common problems in order to find possible solutions; reaching in this case the signing of important agreements.

It has evolved considerably over the years, to stay current in a world that experiences frequent changes; however, it remains to date the only place on earth within which all nations can meet, to find solutions to the problems that afflict humanity.

In the words of its current secretary general, Antonio Guterres, who took office in 2017, “In the end, everything comes down to values. We want the world that our children inherit to be defined by the values ​​enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations: peace, justice, respect, human rights, tolerance and solidarity” it is clear that its mission is vital to preserve harmony among all the nations of the world.

Election of UN members

Every year, through its General Assembly, each one of the members is elected by means of a vote with an absolute majority, for which they cast an individual vote, directly and secretly.

Each member remains in office for three years and cannot be re-elected immediately, after having been in office for two consecutive terms.

To be a candidate for UN membership, it is only necessary that they be over 25 years of age, have a university or technical degree; have at least two years of relevant work experience and are fluent in at least one of these languages: English, French or Spanish; since they are used for work within this entity.

The election of the members of the UN Security Council is contemplated in article 92 of its regulations; where in addition to being an act carried out by direct and secret vote, it does not admit the presentation of candidacies.

In turn, the admission of new members in the United Nations is carried out in accordance with the provisions of article 134, which can be seen through the following extract:

Any State that wishes to become a Member of the United Nations must submit an application to the Secretary-General. This request shall be accompanied by a declaration, made in a formal instrument, that said State accepts the obligations set forth in the Charter.

The applications are analyzed and the requesting member will be admitted if the Security Council itself recommends their entry, after verifying that it is a Nation that advocates peace and is willing to comply with the guidelines of this international organization.

As soon as the particular case on the acceptance of this new member is brought, it is submitted to a direct and secret vote; being assigned to the position in case of approval by two thirds of the members present.

If the majority of votes is not achieved, the applicant is not admitted; Therefore, the options are to analyze your request more thoroughly on another occasion or to postpone it until it is considered appropriate. Any decision in this is sent to the Nation requesting it through its Secretary General.

Undoubtedly, the organization we know as the United Nations is one of the most important in the world, because through it conflicts involving nations and entire continents are managed, for the benefit of the correct procedure to guarantee the lives of beings. humans on the planet.

In this sense, it is essential that its representatives enjoy an impeccable reputation, based on ethical and moral values, integrity and commitment to uphold the purposes on which this organization was founded. Find more information on our page.