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The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is set to hold elections for its five non-permanent members on 17th June, 2020. India, standing unopposed for the Asia-Pacific seat, requires confirmation votes from two-thirds of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) members. This article provides a brief snapshot of the election process, candidates, and potential implications.
India’s Prospect in the UNSC Election
India stands as the nominee for the Asia-Pacific seat for the 2021-22 term and requires 129 votes to secure the seat. In 2019, India received unanimous endorsement from the 55-member Asia-Pacific grouping, including China and Pakistan. If elected, this will commence India’s eighth term at the UNSC from January 2021.
Other Contenders for the UNSC Seats
Mexico is slated to be selected unopposed for the Latin American group. A fierce contest is expected between Canada, Ireland, and Norway for the two seats of the West European and Others Group (WEOG). Meanwhile, Kenya and Djibouti will compete for the African seat.
India’s Commitment at the UNSC
In the campaign brochure, India emphasized its commitment towards multilateralism, aiming to realize a New Orientation for a Reformed Multilateral System (NORMS). India advocates for a reformed multilateral system that caters to all countries and pushes for transparency in UN peacekeeping mission mandates. The country also supports the Comprehensive Convention for International Terrorism (CCIT), aiming to establish a universal definition of terrorism, outlaw terrorism globally, and make cross-border terrorism an extraditable offence.
Benefits of India’s Membership at UNSC
India’s presence in the UNSC would mean the representation of the world’s largest democracy in a significant organ of the United Nations, echoing its ethos of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’- the world is one family. Participation in the UNSC will enable India to voice Global South aspirations concerning development and security more effectively.
Challenges Faced by India
India’s bid faces hurdles due to strained relations with Pakistan and China, criticism from Turkey, Malaysia, and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) over governmental decisions such as the scrapping of Article 370 and the implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) 2019.
Overview of the United Nations Security Council
The UNSC is one of the six main organs of the United Nations established under the United Nations Charter. Article 23 defines the composition of the UNSC. It has been bestowed with the primary responsibility for maintaining international peace and security.
UNSC Membership Structure
The UNSC comprises 15 members, with five permanent members, and ten non-permanent members elected for two-year terms by the General Assembly. The non-permanent seats are regionally distributed with five for African and Asian countries, one for Eastern European countries, two for Latin American and Caribbean countries, and two for Western European and other countries.
Election of Non-permanent Members
Every year, the General Assembly elects five non-permanent members for a two-year term from the regions mentioned. India’s candidacy for the Asia-Pacific seat falls under this process. Increasingly, the election process has been scrutinized for representing the geopolitical realities of the 21st century better.