Controversial secretary-general seeks new OAS term

Subject

Election of a new Organization of American States secretary-general.

Significance

Luis Almagro is standing for re-election as secretary-general of the Organization of American States (OAS). Under his mandate, the OAS has shifted from consensus-building in favour of hostility towards left-of-centre governments in Latin America. His candidacy is being challenged by two other candidates, one from Ecuador and one from Peru, who point to his divisive impact on the organisation.

Impacts

• Caracas will seek to encourage opposition to Almagro among states over which it still exercises some influence.
• An Almagro victory would be seen as a policy success for Washington.
• Divisions will remain among member states as to whether the OAS should endorse a more active response in seeking to remove Maduro.