New York, 10 October 2006 – The Security Council’s private meeting on the Secretary-General selection yesterday resulted in a resolution stating,

‘The Security Council,

‘Having considered the question of the recommendation for the appointment of the Secretary-General of the United Nations,

‘Recommends to the General Assembly that Mr. Ban Ki-moon be appointed Secretary-General of the United Nations for a term of office from 1 January 2007 to 31 December 2011.’”

The resolution (S/2006/777) was adopted by acclamation, which is a decision taken without a vote. Instead of voting, if no opposition to the proposal is voiced, the members applaud and the decision is approved – in this case, the candidate is considered elected. Approval by acclamation is considered “stronger than consensus,” according to the office of the Security Council presidency. It also is regarded as a less formal mechanism of election and more of a welcoming process, said another Security Council source.

This result was conveyed in a communiqué issued through the Secretary-General, as must results of all private meetings according to Rule 55 of the Provisional Rules of Procedure of the Council.

Click here to view the Security Council Resolution (in draft form).