Five Countries Elected as Non-Permanent Members of the UN Security Council

The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) has elected Bahrain, Colombia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo), Latvia, and Liberia as non-permanent members of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for a two-year term (2027–2028). The newly elected countries will begin their tenure on 1 January 2027, replacing outgoing non-permanent members whose terms expire on 31 December 2026.

The election was held at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.

Latvia has been elected to the UNSC for the first time in its history.

Bahrain, Colombia, DR Congo, and Liberia have previously served as non-permanent members of the Security Council.

The UNSC remains the principal UN body responsible for maintaining international peace and security.

Newly Elected Countries:

Bahrain

Capital: Manama

Currency: Bahraini Dinar

Region: West Asia (Middle East)

Colombia

Capital: Bogotá

Currency: Colombian Peso

Region: South America

Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo)

Capital: Kinshasa

Currency: Congolese Franc

Region: Central Africa

Latvia

Capital: Riga

Currency: Euro

Region: Europe

First-ever UNSC membership

Liberia

Capital: Monrovia

Currency: Liberian Dollar

Region: West Africa

United Nations Security Council (UNSC):

One of the six principal organs of the United Nations.

Responsible for maintaining international peace and security.

Headquarters: New York, USA.

Established: 1945 under the UN Charter.

Composition of UNSC

Total Members: 15

5 Permanent Members (P5)

10 Non-Permanent Members

Permanent Members (P5)

China

France

Russia

United Kingdom

United States

Powers of the UNSC

Authorize peacekeeping missions.

Impose sanctions.

Approve military action when necessary.

Recommend admission of new UN members.

Recommend appointment of the UN Secretary-General.

Election of Non-Permanent Members

Elected by the UN General Assembly.

Term: 2 years.

Elections are held annually for five seats.

A country cannot be immediately re-elected after completing a consecutive term.

India and the UNSC

India has served as a non-permanent member eight times:

1950–51

1967–68

1972–73

1977–78

1984–85

1991–92

2011–12

2021–22

India continues to advocate for comprehensive UNSC reforms and seeks permanent membership.

Exam Focus Points (Quick Revision Notes):

New 5 UNSC Members (2027–28) → Bahrain, Colombia, DR Congo, Latvia, Liberia

First-Time Member → Latvia

Term → 2027–2028

Elected By → UN General Assembly

UNSC Total Members → 15

Permanent Members → 5

Non-Permanent Members → 10

UNSC Headquarters → New York

UNSC: United Nations Security Council

India's Latest Term → 2021–22