UN Elects Five Non-Permanent Members to Security Council for 2026-27 Term

On June 3, 2025, the United Nations General Assembly elected Bahrain, Colombia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Latvia, and Liberia as non-permanent members of the UN Security Council (UNSC) for a two-year term starting in January 2026. These countries will join the 15-member Council, which plays a central role in maintaining international peace and security. Notably, Latvia will be serving on the UNSC for the first time, marking a significant diplomatic milestone.

Why in News?

The UN General Assembly conducted elections on June 3, 2025, to select five new non-permanent members of the UNSC. These members will serve from January 2026 to December 2027. The vote was significant as Latvia was elected for the first time ever to the Council.

Aim and Objective of the Election

• To fill five rotating non-permanent seats on the 15-member Security Council.
• To maintain regional representation as per the UN Charter and promote equitable participation in global peace and security efforts.
• To strengthen the multilateral framework of international diplomacy through broader representation.

UNSC Election 2025: Results and Voting Breakdown

• Date of Election: June 3, 2025
• Total Member States Voting: 188
• Required Majority: Two-thirds of 193-member General Assembly

Vote Results by Country and Region

Africa & Asia-Pacific

• Bahrain: 186 votes
• Democratic Republic of the Congo: 183 votes
• Liberia: 181 votes

Eastern Europe

• Latvia: 178 votes (first-time member)

Latin America & Caribbean

• Colombia: 180 votes

Background and Static Information

UN Security Council Composition

• Permanent Members (P5): China, France, Russia, UK, USA
• Non-Permanent Members: 10, elected for staggered two-year terms
• Previous Members Whose Term Ends in December 2025
• Algeria, Guyana, Republic of Korea, Sierra Leone, Slovenia
• Non-Permanent Members Elected in 2024 (to serve till 2026):
• Denmark, Greece, Pakistan, Panama, Somalia

Regional Seat Distribution (out of 10 non-permanent seats)

• 3 for Africa
• 2 for Asia-Pacific
• 2 for Latin America and the Caribbean
• 2 for Western Europe and Others
• 1 for Eastern Europe

Significance of This Election

• Latvia’s Debut: Marks the country’s first-ever representation on the Security Council.
• Colombia: Elected for the 7th time, reflecting its active role in global peacebuilding.
• DRC, Bahrain, Liberia: Each brings regional perspectives and past UNSC experience.
• Strengthens Multilateralism: Election of diverse nations underscores the importance of inclusive global governance.
• Peace and Security Role: New members will participate in key decisions on international conflicts, sanctions, peacekeeping operations, and geopolitical crises.