The Security Council: fifteen members and the rule behind the veto

Background

Under Article 23 of the UN Charter the Security Council consists of fifteen Members: five permanent members (China, France, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom and the United States) and ten non-permanent members elected by the General Assembly for a term of two years. Each member has one vote. Under Article 27, decisions on procedural matters need an affirmative vote of nine members. Decisions on all other matters need an affirmative vote of nine members including the concurring votes of the permanent members, which is the basis of the power popularly called the veto. The Council has primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security.