Singapore's Rena Lee, UK's Akande elected to International Court of Justice

· Politics · Singapore · United Kingdom

Singapore's Rena Lee was elected to the International Court of Justice, becoming the first Singaporean judge on the UN's top court. The 57-year-old secured the highest number of votes in the UN General Assembly with 151 out of 191, and the joint-highest number in the Security Council with 13 out of 15. Britain's Dapo Akande was also elected, a big diplomatic win for London almost 10 years after a previous British judge failed to be re-elected. The ICJ's president told the UN the court will fulfil its mandate.

Why it matters：The elections shape the composition of the court that rules on inter-state disputes, including genocide and maritime cases, and reflect diplomatic standing in the UN system.

Key points

  • Rena Lee is the first Singaporean judge elected to the ICJ.
  • She won 151 of 191 General Assembly votes and 13 of 15 Security Council votes.
  • Britain's Dapo Akande was also elected.

Sources (original reporting)

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