Philippines and Kyrgyzstan Vie for Asia-Pacific UN Security Council Seat in June 3 Vote

The United Nations General Assembly is scheduled to vote June 3 on whether the Philippines will secure a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2027-2028 term. m. m.

Philippine time. A two-thirds majority of members present and voting is required. If all 193 member states participate, the Philippines needs at least 129 votes. The election uses secret ballot, and multiple rounds may be needed.

The five countries elected June 3 will serve from January 1, 2027, to December 31, 2028. The Asia-Pacific seat is contested by the Philippines and Kyrgyzstan. Kyrgyzstan has never held a seat on the council.

The Philippines last held a non-permanent seat from 2004 to 2005 and previously served in 1957, 1963, and 1980-1981. Ten non-permanent seats exist on the Security Council. Three are allocated to the African Group, two to the Asia-Pacific Group, two to the Latin American and Caribbean Group, one to the Eastern European Group, and two to the Western European and Others Group.

The five permanent members—China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States—hold veto power over resolutions. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Said in 2022 that the Philippines has called for reform and better inclusivity in the Security Council and an empowered General Assembly that can hold the council to account. The Philippines has also called for permanent African representation and limits on veto use by permanent members.

Foreign Secretary Maria Theresa Lazaro wrote in an Op-Ed that the Security Council’s chronic dysfunction has placed a premium on elected members capable of building coalitions and bridging divides.

She stated the Philippines brings specific and credible assets to that role. Lazaro added that the question before member states on June 3 is not which country deserves the seat, but which country can best use it, and that the Philippines’ case is strong.