Why Competitive Elections for the UN are Beneficial: An Editorial Exploration

In Praise of Competitive UN Elections

Elections at the United Nations

The elections for United Nations Security Council are around the corner, and it is the time to reflect on the importance of competition in UN elections. The elections for important UN bodies, such as the Security Council and Human Rights Council, are often uncompetitive. This lack of competition ensures victory even for the least-qualified candidates. However, competitive UN elections provide member countries with the opportunity to choose the most qualified candidates and keep abusive governments off important UN bodies.

Noncompetitive Slates undermine the Purpose of Elections

Many delegations and their regional groups prefer noncompetitive slates, saying that all countries should have an opportunity to serve on UN bodies. However, noncompetitive slates undermine the purpose of elections. If there is no competition, member states cannot choose the most qualified candidates.

Belarus and Tajikistan: Abusive Governments seeking seats on the Security Council

On June 6, the 193-nation General Assembly will elect five members to the Security Council for 2023-2024. Belarus and Tajikistan are seeking to serve on the Security Council. While all countries have the right to seek a seat on the Security Council, abusive governments like Belarus and Tajikistan should not serve on such an important body that oversees international peace and security.

Belarus

Belarus wants a seat on the Security Council, but its government has a long history of dysfunction and repression. As the UN‘s most powerful body, the Security Council can authorize military force, impose sanctions, and oversee numerous peacekeeping and political missions, whose staff includes hundreds of human rights officers that monitor and report on abuses.

At a May 16 UN debate, Belarusian Ambassador Valentin Ryabkov claimed to recognize the importance of human rights. However, within his country, there are widespread rights violations that may amount to crimes against humanity. Human rights defenders, including 2022 Nobel Peace Prize winner Ales Bialiatski, have been imprisoned on bogus charges. Belarus has opposed condemnations of Russian atrocities in Ukraine and aided efforts to whitewash China’s crimes against humanity in Xinjiang.

Tajikistan

Tajikistan’s rights record has deteriorated due to a government-led crackdown on freedom of expression and the political opposition. Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan have committed apparent war crimes with impunity on both sides of the border conflict.

Choose the right candidate on June 6

Member countries cannot vote out permanent Security Council members like Russia or China, but they can and should reject abusive governments such as Belarus and Tajikistan. Choosing the right candidate on June 6 and keeping abusive governments off important UN bodies will ensure that the purpose of elections, to choose the most qualified candidate over others, is achieved.

Editorial and Advice

Competitive elections at the United Nations allow member countries to choose the most competent and qualified candidates to serve on important UN bodies. It is disheartening to note that many elections are not competitive, and opportunities to find the most qualified candidates are missed. The most powerful UN body, the Security Council, needs competent and ethical countries to oversee international peace and security. Therefore, abusive governments should not be allowed to sit on such important bodies, as they pose a threat to international peace and security.

Therefore, member countries must choose wisely when they vote on June 6 for the Security Council. It is time to reject abusive governments seeking to abuse the system and get a permanent seat on important UN bodies. Choosing the right candidate for the Security Council will ensure that it remains a powerful and competent body, serving to sustain international peace and security.

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