What is not correct about “veto power” in the Security Council?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → The permanent members can veto a decision only with the consent of the non-permanent members of the Security Council.
Option (1) In taking decisions, the Security Council proceeds by voting where all members have one vote. True.
Option (2) The permanent members can vote in a negative manner for a particular decision. True. This negative vote is the veto.
Option (3) Any permanent member’s negative vote can stall the decision. True.
Option (4) The permanent members can veto a decision only with the consent of the non-permanent members of the Security Council. False. No consent is needed: even if all other permanent and non-permanent members vote for a decision, any one permanent member’s negative vote can stall it. The non-permanent members do not have the veto power at all.
NCERT (2025-26): “Reform of Structures and Processes … 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.…” |