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The Organization of American States (OAS) is scheduled to hold an election to choose a new secretary general on 10 March 2025.
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The Organization of American States (OAS) is scheduled to hold an election to choose a new secretary general on 10 March 2025.
According to the OAS Charter, the secretary general is elected for a five-year term by the organization's General Assembly and is eligible to be re-elected for one additional term. The Charter further states that the secretary general shall "direct the General Secretariat, be the legal representative thereof, and [...] be responsible to the General Assembly for the proper fulfillment of the obligations and functions of the General Secretariat". [1]
The 2025 election is being held to appoint a replacement for Luis Almagro of Uruguay, whose second five-year term as secretary general comes to an end on 25 May 2025. [2]
Member states were required to present their candidacies in writing by 3 February. [a] Two candidates were nominated:
A special meeting of the OAS Permanent Council was held on 10 February at which the candidates presented their proposals and initiatives for leading the organization. A similar meeting of the candidates with representatives of civil society was held on 11 February. [5] [6] [2]
The 46th regular meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), held in Georgetown, Guyana, in February 2024, endorsed Ramdin's candidacy. [7] The CARICOM bloc accounts for 14 votes in the OAS. [8] In addition, Ramdin reportedly has the support of some Central American states. [9]
Ramírez has been described as being close to the Trump administration in the United States and having the support of Argentina and El Salvador. [9]
Several countries – including Brazil, Chile, Colombia and Mexico – have yet to express a preference and both candidates have spoken with ranking officials within the respective governments. [9]
The election will be held at a special session of the OAS General Assembly on 10 March 2025. [3] [9] A candidate receiving the votes of 18 or more member states will be elected. [4]
A new assistant secretary general will be elected by the General Assembly on 5 May 2025 to replace Nestor Mendez of Belize, whose term ends in July 2025. [10]