Guterres, Portugal's prime minister from 1995 to 2002, had held the number-one spot in the previous five informal votes, but the quick consensus decision took many diplomats by surprise. The position has previously been held by several foreign ministers, most of whom were chosen during closed-door Security Council meetings. Once the Security Council formally endorses him, Guterres will be presented to the General Assembly for approval. In Portugal the selection of the former Socialist prime minister was met with pride on both the left and right, traditionally deeply divided over most issues. Other potential candidates blackballed were New Zealand's former prime minister and head of the UN Development Program Helen Clark, Serbia's ex-foreign minister Vuk Jeremic, Macedonia's ex-foreign minister Srgjan Kerim and Natalia Gherman of Moldova.

Source: Sunday Times October 06, 2016 10:54 UTC