Mark correct or wrong against each of the following statements about the veto power.

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

b. It’s a kind of negative power.

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

d. One veto can stall a Security Council resolution.

a) Correct

Explanation- it is only the permanent members of the United Nations Security Council i.e. USA, Russia, United Kingdom, France and china, that possess the veto power.

b) Correct.

Explanation- veto is a kind of negative power because, while voting in the proceedings of the Security Council, all members have one vote. Any of the permanent members can vote in a negative manner in such a way that even if all other permanent and non-permanent members vote in favour, one member’s negative vote can stall the decision.

c) Incorrect

Explanation- The Secretary General is only the chief administrative officer of the Security Council. His job entails a wide range of administrative, managerial and substantive tasks and serves as representative and spokesperson of the Security Council. He has no power whatsoever regarding then decision making process.

d) Correct.

Explanation- using the power of negative vote i.e. the veto power, any of the permanent members can stall a Security Council resolution.