Question

Which of the following is the wrong statement about the veto power?

Options

• Only the permanent members of the Security Council possess the veto power.

• It's a kind of negative power.

• The Secretary-General uses this power when not satisfied with any decision.

• One veto can stall a Security Council resolution.

Answer 1

The Secretary-General uses this power when not satisfied with any decision.

Explanation:

The "power of veto" of the United Nations Security Council refers to the veto power wielded solely by the five permanent members of the UN Security Council (China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States), allowing them to prevent the adoption of any "substantive" resolution. A permanent member's abstention or absence from voting does not prevent a draught resolution from being adopted. Permanent members can vote against a "procedural" draught resolution without preventing the Council from adopting it. A permanent member's negative vote will also prevent the selection of a Secretary-General, though this is a "recommendation" to the General Assembly rather than a Resolution.