Following the results of the first straw poll in the Security Council that showed Shashi Tharoor, with 10 votes, come a close second to South Korean Foreign Minister Ban Ki-Moon (with 12), the Indian candidate issued the following statement:
“Considering I’ve entered the race just a month ago and am the only candidate who hasn’t visited all 15 capitals, I’m gratified to have received such a broad base of support in the Council. I have the highest personal regard for Mr Ban but believe I offer a genuine alternative, of a candidate from the South who can articulate a positive vision for a UN of the 21st century — and the skills and experience of 28 years to bring about meaningful change to realise that vision. I believe this result marks a good beginning on which I hope to build in subsequent ballots.”