Kenya, Djibouti to face off for coveted UN Security Council seat

The fate of Kenya and Djibouti contest for the only remaining seat as a non-permanent member at the United Nations Security Council will be known at the second round of voting later Thursday.

Kenya failed to garner the required votes only 15 votes shy of the required two thirds garnering 113 votes against Djibouti’s 78.

The winners will serve a two-year term alongside Tunisia and Niger in the UN organ charged with maintaining global peace and security.

Nairobi won the first round in an election that was conducted for the first time in history with representatives voting without the plenary sessions under restrictions of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Kenya boasts of enjoying the support of the African Union, but Djibouti says it should have the seat due to Nairobi’s past participation on the Security Council and the principle of rotation.

This year there are five seats on the 15-member body available with a seat each for Africa, Asia, Latin America, Caribbean and two seats for Western Europe.

The General Assembly will also elect its president for the 2020-2021 session.

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