In the United Nations Security Council, decisions on substantive matters require nine affirmative votes, including all permanent members. What is the legal effect when a non-permanent member votes against a resolution supported by all five permanent members?
- It serves as one negative vote among the council members but does not constitute a veto to block the resolution.Answer
- BIt acts as an absolute veto that automatically defeats the resolution despite the approval of all permanent members.
- CIt automatically invalidates the votes of the permanent members and transfers the decision to the General Assembly.
- DIt is reclassified as an abstention because non-permanent members are restricted to voting only on procedural matters.
Answer
It serves as one negative vote among the council members but does not constitute a veto to block the resolution.
Under Article 27 of the UN Charter, non-permanent members participate fully in substantive voting, and their votes count toward achieving the mandatory nine affirmative votes. However, a negative vote by a non-permanent member does not constitute a veto and cannot unilaterally block a resolution if nine or more total affirmative votes are achieved.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Voting procedures and legal distinction between permanent and non-permanent members in the UN Security Council