Seven. Six.
UPDATE: The Permanent Mission of Afghanistan is stating that they have not been consulted or involved in Ghani’s reported nomination. According to UN procedures, an official letter of nomination is delivered by the Permanent Representative to the President of the Security Council. At this time, it appears that the nomination is not official. More to come…
Ashraf Ghani, former Finance Minister of Afghanistan and current Chancellor of Kabul University, has declared his candidacy for UNSG. This brings the total number of candidates in the race for the high post to seven. Ghani also becomes the second Muslim in the race, joining Prince Zeid of Jordan.
UNSG.org invited Draconian Observations, an independent scholar in Denmark who has followed speculation on Ghani since January, to offer his views on the candidate, which follow below. Your comments regarding Ghani’s background, his qualifications and his chances are encouraged.