United Nations: Pakistan, Angola, Germany, Spain and Chile were on September 27 elected by the United Nations General Assembly as non- permanent members of the Security Council for a two-year term beginning January 1, 2003.

Of the 182 ballots cast for the two seats from Asia and Africa groups, Angola got 181 votes and Pakistan 172.

Pakistan was last member of the Council in 1993-94. India was a member in 1991-92 and had played a major role in drafting the resolution on Iraq. But in 1997, it suffered a defeat at the hands of Japan.

The newly-elected countries non-permanent members of UNSC replace Singapore, Mauritius, Ireland, Norway and Colombia whose two-year term expires on December 31.

The composition of the Security Council from January 1 would be The United States, Russia, Britain, France, China (permanent members), Bulgaria, Camerron, Guinea, Mexico, Syria (terms expires next year end), Pakistan, Angola, Germany, Spain and Chile. The five permanent members have veto power.

All the candidates had been endorsed by their respective regional groups and there was no contest. But polling was held as there are no nominations.

Member-states are expected to write the names of the candidates they support on the ballots but the UNSC president just before polling announces the names of the candidates endorsed by the groups.

One ballot was cast for India even though it was not a candidate.

As there are no nominations, member states not endorsed can lobby for their candidature and even win. But this year, there was no unendorsed candidate.

PTI