7 Jun 2011

UN chief seeking re-election

3:15 pm on 7 June 2011

United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has formally announced his candidacy for a second five-year term.

Mr Ban's first term ends on 31 December. He is unopposed for re-election so far.

Mr Ban has in the past been criticised for his low-key style and failure to speak against human rights abuses in countries like Russia and China.

But his supporters have praised his commitment to climate change, women's rights, and nuclear disarmament and his response to recent unrest in the Middle East and North Africa.

Mr Ban says he hopes to build bridges between UN member states.

AFP reports that with no rival in sight, the UN Security Council should give its approval and the UN General Assembly will hold a formal vote before the end of June.