The 2000 United Nations Security Council election was held on 10 October 2000 at United Nations Headquarters in New York City during the 55th session of the United Nations General Assembly. The General Assembly elected five non-permanent members of the UN Security Council for two-year terms commencing on 1 January 2001. The five candidates elected were Colombia, Ireland, Mauritius, Norway, and Singapore (for the first time). Geographic distribution In accordance with the General Assembly's rules for the geographic distribution of the non-permanent members of the Security Council, and established practice, the members were to be elected as follows: one from Africa, one from Asia, one from Latin American and the Caribbean (GRULAC), and two from Western Europe and Other States. Candidates There was a total of seven candidates for the five seats. Colombia and Singapore would run unopposed for the one seat each reserved for GRULAC and the Asian Group, respectively. Singapore was also the endorsed candidate for the Asian Group. For the African Group, Sudan and Mauritius competed for the one seat reserved, Sudan being the group's endorsed candidate. For the two Western European seats, there were three candidates: Ireland, Italy, and Norway. Results Voting proceeded by secret ballot. For each geographic group, each member state could vote for as many candidates as were to be elected. There were 173 ballots in each of the three elections. Candidates were required to gather a 2/3 support of all nations voting; that is, the exact number for the 2/3 is determined without the abstentions and invalid ballots. African and Asian States (two to be elected) 1st round Singapore 168 Mauritius 95 Sudan 69 abstentions 1 This round brought the election of Singapore, but was inconclusive in regards of the African seat, as neither Mauritius nor Sudan succeeded in securing the 2/3 support of the General Assembly, 115 votes in this round. 2nd round Mauritius 102 Sudan 65 abstentions 6 This round of voting was inconclusive, though Mauritius did improve its lead on Sudan; neither state could acquire the requisite 112 votes. 3rd round Mauritius 110 Sudan 58 abstentions 4 invalid 1 This round saw Mauritius nearly achieve the required 2/3 majority of 112 votes, but was ultimately inconclusive. 4th round Mauritius 113 Sudan 55 abstentions 5 This round brought the final victory of Mauritius, winning 113 votes, thus securing the 2/3 majority of 112 votes. Latin American and Caribbean States (one