None of the seven contenders for United Nations Secretary-General emerged with the backing of all five permanent Security Council members in Friday’s informal poll.

Guyana’s United Nations Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues Birkett was among the three leading candidates, but received opposing votes from two permanent members, according to the Associated Press, which cited diplomats familiar with the confidential results.

Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan and Argentina’s Rafael Grossi also each received two opposing votes from permanent members.

The United States, Russia, China, Britain and France hold veto power, making their positions critical to the selection of António Guterres’ successor.

Council members indicated encouragement, discouragement or no opinion. Differently coloured ballots identified responses from permanent members, although individual countries’ choices remained undisclosed.

Another informal poll is expected next week, with the possibility of additional candidates entering the race still open.