The race to choose the next United Nations Secretary-General enters a critical phase today, as the Security Council holds its first informal straw poll to assess support for the candidates seeking to lead the world body. The closed-door vote will provide the first indication of which of the seven candidates are gaining support and who may face challenges in securing the backing needed to become the next UN chief. The current Secretary-General, António Guterres, will complete his second and final five-year term on 31 December.  Sherwin Bryce-Pease reports from New York.

<p>The race to choose the next United Nations Secretary-General enters a critical phase today, as the Security Council holds its first informal straw poll to assess support for the candidates seeking to lead the world body. The closed-door vote will provide the first indication of which of the seven candidates are gaining support and who may face challenges in securing the backing needed to become the next UN chief. The current Secretary-General, Ant&oacute;nio Guterres, will complete his second and final five-year term on 31 December. &nbsp;Sherwin Bryce-Pease reports from New York.</p>