India s Candidature for Non-Permanent Seat at UNSC Endorsed

The Asia Pacific group has unanimously endorsed the candidature of India for the non-permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). India s candidature was endorsed for a two-year term in 2021-22. The unanimous endorsement also witnessed the support from China and Pakistan, with whom India is at a diplomatic tussle.

How UNSC Non-permanent Members are elected?

• The United Nations General Assembly elects five non-permanent members out of a total of 10 every year for a two-year term.
• The 10 non-permanent seats are distributed across regions providing for five for African and Asian countries; one for Eastern European countries; two for Latin American and Caribbean countries; two for Western European and other countries.
• Of the five seats for Africa and Asia, three is reserved for African nations and Two for Asian countries.
• There is an informal understanding between Asia and African Countries to reserve one for an Arab country. Both takes turn every two years to put up an Arab candidate.
• Elections for terms beginning in even-numbered years select two African members, and one each within Eastern Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America and the Caribbean.
• Whereas Terms beginning in odd-numbered years consist of two Western European and Other members, and one each from Asia-Pacific, Africa, and Latin America and the Caribbean.
• Africa has a formalised system of rotation for its three seats according to the region.

The candidature endorsed by the groups must be approved by two-thirds of the members present and voting at the General Assembly session.