Portugal and Austria Win U.N. Security Council Seats Over Germany

Portugal and Austria defeated Germany for two rotating seats on the U.N. Security Council on Wednesday after multiple rounds of voting in the General Assembly. The 193-member body elected five countries to serve two-year terms alongside the five permanent members. Portugal received 134 votes and Austria received 131 votes, while Germany received 104 votes.

Kyrgyzstan defeated the Philippines 143-49 after four rounds of voting and will join the council for the first time. Zimbabwe and Trinidad and Tobago ran unopposed and each received more than 180 votes. The five new members will replace Denmark, Greece, Pakistan, Panama and Somalia beginning January 1.

The Security Council is responsible for maintaining international peace and security under the U.N. Charter. Officials noted that veto power held by permanent members has limited action on current conflicts. Decades of proposals to reform the council's structure have not succeeded. A new reform effort is currently underway.

“Its election capped a 15-year campaign and is a strong international sign of confidence in the country.”