Nigeria has presided over key electoral proceedings at the United Nations General Assembly’s Fifth Committee, with Mauritania and Israel securing significant appointments during the 81st Session of the General Assembly.
The elections, conducted under the chairmanship of Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Jimoh Ibrahim, resulted in C.D. Mohammed of Mauritania being recommended as Chair of the International Civil Service Commission, while Israel’s candidate, Shai Mazai, secured a seat on the Independent Audit Advisory Committee.
In a move aimed at ensuring transparency, Ambassador Ibrahim directed that ballot boxes be opened before voting began, allowing delegates to inspect and verify them ahead of the ballot collection.
In the contest for chairmanship of the International Civil Service Commission, Mohammed secured 102 votes, defeating Zimbabwe’s candidate, Mrs Maria, who received 82 votes.
Having obtained the required majority 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 another key outcome, Israel’s Shai Mazai received 134 votes to emerge as the recommended candidate from the Group of Western European and Other States for membership of the Independent Audit Advisory Committee.
The Fifth Committee subsequently recommended his appointment to the committee for a three-year term, also commencing January 1, 2027.
The elections were held under Agenda Item 119, which covers appointments to fill vacancies in subsidiary organs and other appointments.
Other bodies considered during 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, under Ibrahim’s chairmanship, also recommended candidates from other regional groups to the International Civil Service Commission through acclamation, as there were no contested nominations for the respective positions.
At the end of the exercise, Ibrahim commended delegates for their patience, cooperation and commitment throughout the electoral process.
He congratulated the candidates recommended for appointment and urged them to uphold the integrity of the Fifth Committee while carrying out their responsibilities.
The Nigerian diplomat also acknowledged the contributions of tellers and officials nominated by member states to oversee the voting process.
Ibrahim subsequently declared the Committee’s consideration of Agenda Item 119 concluded and requested the Rapporteur to communicate its decisions to the General Assembly for further action.
