Pakistan set to exit UNSC as Kyrgyzstan makes historic entry into security council

Pakistan’s term on the UN Security Council will end in 2026 as five new nations, including first-time member Kyrgyzstan, have been elected as non-permanent members for the 2027-28 term.

Islamabad: Pakistan’s tenure as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is set to conclude at the end of 2026 after five new countries were elected to the powerful global body for the 2027-28 term.

The newly elected nations are Kyrgyzstan, Austria, Portugal, Trinidad and Tobago and Zimbabwe. They will replace Pakistan, Panama, Denmark, Greece and Somalia, whose terms on the Council will end on December 31, 2026. The incoming members will officially assume their seats from January 1, 2027.

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Kyrgyzstan Secures Historic First-Ever Seat

The biggest highlight of this year’s UNSC election was Kyrgyzstan’s historic victory. The Central Asian nation secured a seat on the Security Council for the first time since becoming independent.

According to reports, seven countries contested the five available seats. Austria, Portugal, Trinidad and Tobago, and Zimbabwe won comfortably in the first round of voting.

However, the final seat witnessed a closely contested battle between Kyrgyzstan and the Philippines. After multiple rounds of voting in the United Nations General Assembly, Kyrgyzstan emerged victorious and secured the required support.

How UNSC Elections Work

To win a non-permanent seat on the Security Council, countries must secure a two-thirds majority of member states present and voting in the United Nations General Assembly.

If all 193 UN member nations participate, at least 129 votes are required for election. The process also ensures geographical balance by allocating seats to different regional groups across the world.

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Role and Importance of the Security Council

The Security Council is considered the most influential body within the United Nations system. It is responsible for maintaining international peace and security and has the authority to pass binding resolutions, impose sanctions, establish peacekeeping missions and approve military action when required.

The Council consists of 15 members, including five permanent members the United States, Russia, China, United Kingdom and France — along with 10 rotating non-permanent members elected for two-year terms.

With several global conflicts and geopolitical tensions continuing worldwide, the newly elected countries are expected to play an important role in upcoming international security discussions.