The elections for new non-permanent members of the United Nations’ Security Council are scheduled for mid-2026. The elections will be pivotal in shaping the future dynamics of global governance. The elections will primarily determine which Global South states, alongside Global North members, will occupy the Security Council seats come January 2027. The election will be especially important with the ongoing shifts in Global South members’ power relations.
Non-permanent members: What do they bring to the table?
As one of the principal organs of the UN, the Security Council is composed of 15 member states, five of which are permanent members, commonly referred to as the P5, and have veto power, these states comprise China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The other 10 members are non-permanent members who are elected to two-year terms.
The non-permanent seat rotations are assigned by regional groups as part of an effort to provide balanced geographical distribution. Non-permanent members, though, do not have veto power.
According to the UN civic engagement portal, the elections are extremely competitive, with candidates seeking support of the 193 member states of the General Assembly.
The non-permanent seats will be assigned in accordance with the established rotational policy.
Two new seats have been set aside for Africa
There will be two seats for Africa, one each for the Asia and Pacific region, one for Latin America and the Caribbean, and one for Eastern Europe. Although there is no formal bidding yet, the first indications of diplomacy suggest that there is considerable lobbying in the various voting groups.
Historical patterns of voting suggest that regional organizations, and in particular the African Union and the Organization of American States, play a major role in supporting and endorsing hopefuls prior to the election.
In a report released in June 2025, UN News emphasized that the elections are not merely symbolic; they represent a significant realignment of international coalitions and power dynamics influencing global policy directions.
The elections will enable the new entrants to position themselves as policy shapers in debates concerning climate-related security, commercially motivated cyber threats, and humanitarian aid intervention.
The lengthy election process explained
The General Assembly carries out the voting process for the United Nations member states using a secret ballot process, and for a candidate to win, they are required to achieve a two-thirds majority. Ties often result and are broken in lengthily rounds of voting, a common occurrence in elections for contested seats.
The documented prior elections by the UN peacekeeping site should serve as examples for future elections, particularly in their emphasis on transparency, fairness, and adherence to democratic principles.
It is essential for the new entrants to the Council to be able to direct responses to the new and emerging crises of the moment in questions of peace and peacekeeping, and to focus on the growing importance of the Council’s role in conflict resolution.
The significance of this election and what it means for member states
Compounding the myriad of challenges the Security Council is currently faced with, such as prolonged conflicts, cyber warfare, and the need for cohesive advocacy for climate change, are the expected elections within the Council for the middle of 2026.
Non-permanent members often play the roles of brokers between major actors and minor players. This is increasingly the case when it comes to the various positions they hold toward sanctions, peacekeeping mandates, and the establishment of humanitarian corridors in conflict-affected territories.
Changes to the Security Council’s problematic structure, which have 5 dominating permanent members is still needed. However, the choice of active non-permanent members is still valuable. The choice will assist in bringing new ideas to the Council and its discussions.
