UN Security Council Members 2026: Bahrain, Colombia, DRC, Latvia & Liberia Elected as Non-Permanent Members

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UN Elects Five Non-Permanent Members to Security Council for 2026–27 Term

On June 3, 2025, the United Nations General Assembly elected five new non-permanent members to the UN Security Council for the 2026–2027 term. The countries elected are Bahrain, Colombia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Latvia, and Liberia. Each will serve a two-year term starting January 1, 2026, and ending December 31, 2027. These nations will replace Algeria, Guyana, the Republic of Korea, Sierra Leone, and Slovenia, whose terms conclude in December 2025.

Election Results and Voting Breakdown

A total of 188 UN member states participated in the election, which required only one round of balloting. The vote counts for the elected countries were as follows:

Bahrain: 186 votes
Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC): 183 votes
Liberia: 181 votes
Latvia: 178 votes
Colombia: 180 votes

These countries were elected in uncontested regional slates and received strong support, each securing more than two-thirds of the General Assembly’s vote.

Significance of the Election

The election of these five countries highlights the United Nations’ commitment to regional representation and the inclusion of diverse perspectives in global decision-making. Latvia’s election is particularly notable as it marks the country’s first-time membership on the Security Council, bringing a fresh regional perspective to global security debates.

Why This News Is Important

Strengthening Global Governance

The election of Bahrain, Colombia, the DRC, Latvia, and Liberia to the UN Security Council underscores the importance of inclusive global governance. By ensuring regional representation, the UN aims to reflect the diverse geopolitical landscapes and concerns of its member states.

Promoting Regional Perspectives

Each of the elected countries brings unique regional perspectives to the Security Council. For instance, Bahrain’s election as the Arab representative allows for a focus on Middle Eastern issues, while Colombia’s seat emphasizes Latin American concerns. Latvia’s first-time membership introduces Eastern European viewpoints, and the DRC and Liberia highlight African issues, particularly related to conflict and development.

Enhancing Multilateral Diplomacy

The election results reflect a commitment to multilateral diplomacy, where decisions are made collectively, ensuring that all regions have a voice in maintaining international peace and security. This approach strengthens the legitimacy and effectiveness of the Security Council’s actions.

Historical Context

Evolution of the UN Security Council

The United Nations Security Council was established in 1945 as one of the six principal organs of the UN, with the primary responsibility for maintaining international peace and security. Initially, the Council had six non-permanent members, but this number was increased to ten in 1965 to allow for broader representation. Non-permanent members are elected for two-year terms, with five seats contested each year.

Regional Representation in Security Council Elections

To ensure equitable geographic representation, the ten non-permanent seats are allocated among regional groups: three for Africa, two for Asia-Pacific, two for Latin America and the Caribbean, two for Western Europe and Others, and one for Eastern Europe. This system aims to give all regions a voice in the Council’s decision-making processes.

Key Takeaways from “UN Elects Five Non-Permanent Members to Security Council for 2026–27 Term”

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is the term duration for the non-permanent members elected to the UN Security Council?
A: The term duration is two years, starting from January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2027.

Q2. Which five countries were elected as non-permanent members of the UN Security Council for the 2026–27 term?
A: Bahrain, Colombia, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Latvia, and Liberia.

Q3. How many votes did Bahrain receive in the election?
A: Bahrain received 186 votes from the UN General Assembly.

Q4. Why is Latvia’s election significant in the 2026–27 UN Security Council term?
A: Latvia’s election is significant because it is the country’s first time as a member of the Security Council.

Q5. Which countries are being replaced by the new non-permanent members on the Security Council?
A: Algeria, Guyana, Republic of Korea, Sierra Leone, and Slovenia.

Q6. How many non-permanent seats are there on the UN Security Council?
A: There are ten non-permanent seats on the UN Security Council.