UN Security Council Elections 2025: How New Members Could Reshape Global Diplomacy
- Rahmani Khoshnaw
- Jun 19
- 9 min read
Khoshnaw Rahmani, JadeTimes Staff
K. Rahmani is a Jadetimes news reporter covering politics.

A New Chapter in Global Peace and Security
On June 3, 2025, an important milestone was reached when the 193-member United Nations General Assembly elected five new non-permanent members to the UN Security Council at its 79th session. In a secret-ballot vote that underscored both regional balance and the evolving geopolitical landscape, the General Assembly confirmed the election of Bahrain, Colombia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Latvia, and Liberia. These countries will assume their two-year terms on January 1, 2026, serving until December 31, 2027, and will replace the outgoing members from Algeria, Guyana, the Republic of Korea, Sierra Leone, and Slovenia. The decisive outcome—achieved in a single round of voting with an overwhelming two-thirds majority—sets the stage for these nations to contribute to international peacekeeping and shape global security policy in an increasingly complex world.
Comprehensive Overview: Structure, Function, and Electoral Process
The UN Security Council (UNSC) is the principal organ responsible for maintaining international peace and security under the UN Charter. Its structure and functions are unique:
Permanent Members: There are five permanent members—China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. These members hold veto power over substantive resolutions, a legacy of the post-World War II order that continues to influence global diplomacy.
Non-Permanent Members: Ten non-permanent members are elected for staggered two-year terms by the General Assembly. These members are allocated among regional groups to ensure consistency in global representation. In the current electoral cycle, five seats were contested:
Africa Group: 2 seats
Asia-Pacific Group: 1 seat
Latin America and Caribbean Group (GRULAC): 1 seat
Eastern European Group: 1 seat
The Electoral Process
The election is conducted by secret ballot during a General Assembly session. Each UN member state has one vote, and candidates must secure at least a two-thirds majority of those present and voting. In this instance, 188 member states cast their ballots, enabling a swift resolution in one round for all groups. The regional allocation process is designed not only to balance global representation but also to strengthen diplomatic representation and multilateral accountability at the UNSC.
The History of UN Security Council Elections: From Inception to the Present
The Genesis and Early Years (1946–1964)
1946–1947 – Formation of the Council: Following the establishment of the United Nations in 1945, the first Security Council elections were held in a relatively homogeneous international landscape. In the immediate post-World War II era, the UNSC was composed of 11 member states: five permanent members and six non-permanent seats. The elections at the time were characterized by a limited number of member states, many of which were emerging from colonial rule.
Unanimity and Simplicity: Early elections were largely conducted by consensus, with little contestation, reflecting the nascent state of the organization and the smaller, more homogeneous group of member states available for voting.
Expansion and Reform (1965–1980s)
1963–1965 – Constitutional Change: Recognizing the need for greater legitimacy and representation, the UN Charter was amended in the early 1960s. By 1965, the number of non-permanent members was expanded from six to ten. This reform was aimed at incorporating voices from the rapidly decolonizing world—particularly from Africa, Asia, and Latin America—and ensuring that the UNSC could reflect a broader spectrum of global perspectives.
Cold War Dynamics: The subsequent decades were marked by geopolitical rivalries. Elections during the 1970s and 1980s often became arenas for intense political jockeying influenced by Cold War alliances. Contestations in some regional groups highlighted ideological divides and strategic interests, with secret ballots sometimes extending over multiple rounds before a candidate emerged victorious.
The Post-Cold War Era and Modernization (1990s–2020)
Shift Toward Greater Transparency and Complexity: With the end of the Cold War, the UNSC elections began to emphasize not only regional representation but also the ability to address emerging global challenges such as humanitarian crises, climate change, digital security, and non-state conflicts. This period saw increases in competitive campaigning, as countries began to present more detailed platforms and visions for how they would engage with global security issues.
The Role of Informal Regional Understandings: In several regions, particularly within the African Group and GRULAC, informal agreements helped streamline the process, reducing electoral contestation. However, debates over the appropriate balance of power and reform—especially regarding the veto power of permanent members—remained persistent themes that underscored the election dynamics.
Recent Trends: Elections in the 2020s have been characterized by candidate states emphasizing themes such as sustainable development, conflict prevention, and innovative approaches to security challenges. The prominence of issues such as climate security and cyber warfare in candidate platforms points to a significant evolution in the council’s agenda.
Detailed Analysis of the UN Security Council Elections 2025
The 2025 Electoral Outcome
Following a meticulous campaign within regional groups, the 2025 elections produced a clear, uncontested result in one round:
Africa Group:
Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC): Garnered 183 votes.
Liberia: Achieved 181 votes. Both candidates emphasize robust peacekeeping expertise, post-conflict reconstruction, and regional stabilization.
Asia-Pacific Group:
Bahrain: With 186 votes, Bahrain is returning with renewed strength, leveraging its previous term (1998–1999) to reinforce its commitment to regional security and diplomatic engagement.
Latin America and Caribbean Group (GRULAC):
Colombia: Elected with 180 votes, marking its seventh term on the UNSC. Colombia’s extensive experience in reconciliation and conflict resolution is set to play a pivotal role.
Eastern European Group:
Latvia: With 178 votes—the first time ever for this Baltic nation—Latvia is poised to bring fresh perspectives, particularly in cybersecurity, rule of law, and post-Soviet integration.
Key Considerations in the 2025 Elections
Regional Representation and Equity: The elections reinforced the long-standing practice of balanced regional representation. In an era of shifting geopolitical currents, the new composition aims to give voice to underrepresented regions while supporting the maintenance of peace and security.
The Impact of Past Council Membership: With the exception of Latvia, all elected candidates have prior experience on the council. Their historical service—ranging from Colombia’s repeated terms to Liberia’s return after several decades—provides the requisite background to handle complex international issues.
Addressing Contemporary Global Challenges: The prevailing themes of the candidate campaigns included:
Climate and Security: Addressing the security implications of climate change.
Cybersecurity: With Latvia placing a strong emphasis on digital defenses in an increasingly interconnected world.
Post-Conflict Reconstruction: Leveraging Liberia’s rich experience with conflict resolution and social reconciliation.
Sustainable Resource Management: Particularly emphasized by the DRC, given its vast natural resources and the need for ethical governance.
Humanitarian Work: With Colombia reaffirming its commitment to human rights and improved conflict resolution methodologies.
The Role of Regional Endorsements and Informal Agreements: The African Group, in particular, has historically managed its candidacies through established rotational patterns. Despite occasional disruptions due to regional contestations, the 2025 cycle proceeded smoothly, reflecting an alignment among member states on prioritizing experienced candidates.
The Procedural and Diplomatic Nuances of the Elections
Nomination and Endorsement Process
Before the electoral vote, each candidate was subject to a rigorous nomination process within their respective regional groups. Informal and formal consultations took place, and endorsements were secured from key regional blocs. These pre-election negotiations helped minimize contested ballots and ensured that the elected candidates were widely acceptable to the global community.
African Group: The nomination of the DRC and Liberia was endorsed by the African Union, following internal consultations that balanced the historical need for alternation between sub-regions (Central, West, etc.) and the desire to promote experienced leaders.
Asia-Pacific Group: Bahrain’s candidacy was supported by several regional organizations that viewed its previous term as a foundation for renewed diplomatic initiatives in the Middle East and Asia-Pacific regions.
GRULAC: Colombia’s repeated elections were underpinned by a strong record of peace process management and extensive contributions to UN peacekeeping missions.
Eastern European Group: Latvia’s election is notable as the nation transitions from a strict post-Soviet context to a prominent role in modern diplomatic discussions, with its emphasis on cybersecurity and international law resonating widely across member states.
Voting Procedures and Ballot Dynamics
The secret ballot, a core tenet of UN procedures, ensures that each member state votes without external pressures. In 2025, the vote tally was as follows:
Regional Group Candidate Votes Received
Africa Democratic Republic of the Congo 183
Africa Liberia 181
Asia-Pacific Bahrain 186
Eastern Europe Latvia 178
Latin America & Caribbean Colombia 180
The success of all candidates in a single round of voting—without the need for multiple rounds—demonstrates the strong consensus within the international community regarding these selections.
Timeline: A Historical Journey through UNSC Elections
1946–1947: Early Years – The UN Security Council is formed with 11 members; initial elections are conducted among a limited pool of member states in a largely consensual spirit.
1963–1965: Expansion and Inclusivity – Amendments to the UN Charter increase the number of non-permanent seats from 6 to 10, integrating newly independent nations and diversifying representation.
1970s–1980s: Cold War Contestation – Using multiple rounds of ballot in some cases, elections become arenas for geopolitical rivalry, and ideological divisions are reflected in competitive voting.
1990s: Post-Cold War Adjustment – The election process begins to focus on meeting emerging global challenges, with an increased emphasis on transparency and ethical governance.
2000s–2020: Modernization – Advances in communication and campaigning lead to more vibrant contests, though several regions adopt informal agreements to avoid protracted contests.
June 3, 2025: The 2025 Elections – A smooth, uncontested election cycle results in the selection of Bahrain, Colombia, the DRC, Latvia, and Liberia, marking a significant evolution in the UNSC’s composition for the 2026–2027 term.
Comparative Analysis: Evolution from Past Cycles to 2025
Then vs. Now
Early Elections (1946–1964): Dominated by a smaller subset of member states and largely unchallenged ballots, reflecting the nascent international order.
Cold War and Post-Cold War (1965–1990s): Marked by intense geopolitical contestation where secret ballots sometimes required several rounds to overcome regional divisions and ideological conflicts.
Modern Era (2000s–2020): Increased transparency, use of digital campaigning, and more vigorous debates on global issues have redefined the electoral landscape. The modern process reflects broader international priorities such as climate security and cyber threats.
The 2025 Cycle: In a single round of voting, the 2025 elections have demonstrated an unprecedented level of international consensus. With candidates who possess robust diplomatic credentials and clear agendas for tackling emerging global challenges, this cycle exemplifies the dynamic balance between historical experience and future-oriented governance.
Current Implications
Enhanced Regional Representation: With the strong presence of African, Latin American, and Eastern European candidates, the 2025 composition of the UNSC reinforces global equity and representation.
Focus on Contemporary Issues: The platforms of the newly elected members prominently include strategies to tackle modern challenges—from cybersecurity and digital warfare to climate-induced conflicts and sustainable resource management.
Continuity and Change: While the unresolved issues of permanent member veto power and calls for Council reform persist, the fresh perspectives introduced by these candidates signal a potential shift towards more inclusive, proactive decision-making.
Implications for Global Diplomacy and Future Policy Directions
Strengthening Multilateralism and Conflict Resolution
The election of the new non-permanent members is set to invigorate diplomatic debates within the UNSC. Their varied backgrounds and prior experiences translate into diverse policy perspectives, particularly in areas such as:
Peacekeeping and Post-Conflict Reconstruction: With Liberia and the DRC emphasizing lessons learned from previous peacekeeping missions, there appears to be a renewed focus on sustainable, inclusive conflict resolution.
Climate and Environmental Security: As global disruptions from climate change continue to magnify, candidates from regions most affected (e.g., the DRC) are prepared to prioritize environmental governance as a central element of international security.
Digital and Cybersecurity: Latvia’s election comes at a time when digital threats are increasingly a concern. The country has vowed to work on integrating cybersecurity into the broader security agenda of the UNSC.
Perspectives on Security Council Reform
Even as the new members prepare to assume their roles, debates over the reform of key UNSC structures persist. The concentration of veto power among the five permanent members remains contentious, with many advocating for:
Expanding Permanent Membership: Proposals include granting permanent seats to countries from underrepresented regions such as Africa and Latin America.
Limiting Veto Usage: Calls to reframe the conditions under which the veto can be exercised continue to gain traction in broader diplomatic circles.
Conclusion: A Transformative Moment in Global Governance
The UN Security Council Elections 2025 mark not only a routine alteration in membership but a transformative juncture in the evolution of global diplomacy. The newly elected members—Bahrain, Colombia, the DRC, Latvia, and Liberia—bring with them a rich blend of historical experience, regional representation, and forward-thinking policy agendas designed to address twenty-first-century challenges.
As these nations take their seats from January 2026, the world will watch closely to see how their collective influence impacts discussions on peacekeeping, climate security, digital innovation, and the ongoing quest for reform within the UNSC. This election cycle underscores a renewed commitment to multilateral cooperation—a commitment that is vital for sustaining the fragile tapestry of international peace and security.
By reinforcing the balance between time-honored traditions and the evolving demands of today’s global landscape, the 2025 elections signal a bold step forward. They invite the international community to reimagine what is possible when diverse voices unite in the pursuit of a more just, secure, and harmonious world.
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