Following Michelle Bachelet’s withdrawal from the race for United Nations secretary-general, Mexico currently lacks a candidate to support, announced President Claudia Sheinbaum on Monday. Bachelet, a former president of Chile known for her extensive experience in international affairs and commitment to human rights, ended her candidacy on September 19 after failing to gain the necessary support from the UN Security Council.

President Sheinbaum expressed that the Mexican government had initially backed Bachelet due to her strong credentials and her advocacy for multilateralism. With Bachelet no longer in the running, Sheinbaum indicated that Mexico is now waiting for the next stage of the selection process to decide on its support. Mexico, alongside Brazil, had been a proponent of Bachelet from the beginning of her campaign.

Amidst the uncertainty over the next candidate, Sheinbaum called for reforms within the United Nations to enhance its effectiveness in addressing global conflicts and promoting peace and human rights. She emphasized the need for the organization to take a more assertive role in handling international crises.

The upcoming election will determine the successor to the current UN secretary-general, António Guterres, whose second term concludes on December 31, 2026. With Bachelet’s exit, the field now comprises seven remaining candidates vying for the position.