Former Costa Rican Vice President Rebeca Grynspan has emerged as the frontrunner in the race to become the next UN Secretary-General. An informal Security Council poll on October 7 placed her ahead of six other contenders.

The fifth secret poll by the 15-member Security Council followed days of intense negotiations in New York. Four earlier ballots had failed to produce a candidate with overwhelming backing.

Grynspan's support weakened slightly compared to last week's poll, suggesting continued gridlock. The result may prompt other senior figures to join the race, sources said.

Grynspan currently heads UN Trade and Development. She is one of four women among the seven candidates. No woman has ever led the United Nations in its 80-year history.

To win, a candidate needs at least nine of the 15 Council votes. The five veto powers — the US, China, Russia, France and Britain — must also agree on the choice.

The selection comes at a critical time. The next chief will face wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, cuts in American funding, and questions about the UN's relevance.

Antonio Guterres' second term ends on December 31. The General Assembly will appoint the next Secretary-General on the Council's recommendation.