Which of the following statements about the veto power is incorrect?

1) The veto allows a single permanent member to block a decision.
2) A veto is exercised by casting a negative vote.
3) Non-permanent members also have the ability to use the veto.
4) Even if all other members vote in favor, one veto can stall a decision.

Choose the correct answer from the given options:

3

The correct answer is Option 3 - 3 (Non-permanent members also have the ability to use the veto.)

Explanation: The incorrect statement is that non-permanent members have the ability to use the veto. The text explains that only the five permanent members have veto power.

Most importantly, the non-permanent members do not have the veto power. What is the veto power? In taking decisions, the Security Council proceeds by voting. All members have one vote. However, the permanent members can vote in a negative manner so that even if all other permanent and non-permanent members vote for a particular decision, any permanent member’s negative vote can stall the decision. This negative vote is the veto.

While there has been a move to abolish or modify the veto system, there is also a realisation that the permanent members are unlikely to agree to such a reform. Also, the world may not be ready for such a radical step even though the Cold War is over. Without the veto, there is the danger as in 1945 that the great powers would lose interest in the world body, that they would do what they pleased outside it, and that without their support and involvement the body would be ineffective.