Nigeria has presided over key elections at the United Nations General Assembly’s Fifth Committee, resulting in the recommendation of candidates from Mauritania and Israel for two important positions during the Assembly’s 81st Session.
The elections were conducted under the chairmanship of Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Jimoh Ibrahim. C.D. Mohammed of Mauritania emerged as the preferred candidate for Chair of the International Civil Service Commission, while Israel’s Shai Mazai secured a seat on the Independent Audit Advisory Committee.
In a move aimed at promoting transparency, Ambassador Ibrahim directed that ballot boxes be opened before voting began, giving delegates the opportunity to verify them before ballots were collected.
In the contest for Chair of the International Civil Service Commission, Mohammed secured 102 votes, defeating Zimbabwe’s candidate, Mrs. Maria, who received 82 votes.
Having crossed the required threshold of 93 votes, Mohammed was recommended by the Fifth Committee to the General Assembly for designation as chair of the commission for a four-year term beginning January 1, 2027.
In a separate contest, Israel’s Shai Mazai received 134 votes to emerge as the recommended candidate representing the Group of Western European and Other States on the Independent Audit Advisory Committee.
The committee subsequently recommended his appointment for a three-year term, also commencing January 1, 2027.
The elections were conducted as part of the Fifth Committee’s consideration of Agenda Item 119, which deals with appointments to fill vacancies in subsidiary organs and other appointments.
Other bodies covered under the exercise included the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions, the Committee on Contributions and the Investment Committee, alongside the International Civil Service Commission and the Independent Audit Advisory Committee.
The Fifth Committee also recommended candidates from other regional groups to the International Civil Service Commission by acclamation, as there were no competing nominations for the respective positions.
At the end of the exercise, Ambassador Ibrahim thanked delegates for their patience, cooperation and commitment to the electoral process. He congratulated the recommended candidates and urged them to maintain the integrity of the committee in carrying out their responsibilities.
The Nigerian diplomat also recognised the contributions of the tellers and officials nominated by member states to oversee the voting exercise.
He subsequently declared the committee’s consideration of Agenda Item 119 concluded and directed the Rapporteur to communicate its decisions to the General Assembly for further action.
