Former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet withdraws from United Nations secretary-general race

On September 19, 2026, former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet withdrew her candidacy for the position of United Nations secretary-general. She announced her decision in a video posted on social media, saying she did not regret taking on the challenge. Her withdrawal came after a straw poll showed her support had collapsed. Bachelet had been nominated in February but lost momentum after Chile's new president withdrew his backing. Her exit leaves seven candidates in the race to succeed Antonio Guterres, whose term ends on December 31, 2026. The UN Security Council will eventually recommend a single candidate to the General Assembly.