Singapore puts forward candidate in ICJ election for first time

Singapore has nominated Ambassador Rena Lee as its candidate in the International Court of Justice election scheduled for November 3, representing the country's inaugural attempt to secure a seat on the world court.

Five judges will be elected in the poll, which is held periodically to fill vacancies on the 15-member bench of the ICJ, the United Nations' primary judicial body responsible for settling disputes between member states and advising on legal questions referred to it by UN organs.

Ambassador Lee's candidacy underscores Singapore's engagement with international legal frameworks and multilateral institutions. The election will be conducted by the UN General Assembly and the Security Council, with judges serving nine-year terms.

The ICJ, based in The Hague, plays a crucial role in international law and dispute resolution. Election campaigns for ICJ judgeships typically involve diplomatic outreach by candidate countries to secure support from the broader UN membership.

The outcome of the election will be announced following voting by both UN bodies, which must vote concurrently and achieve sufficient majorities for candidates to be elected.