New Zealand has been elected to the United Nations Security Council. On Oct 16, it had a resounding victory and won 145 out of 193 votes on the first ballot itself, which is more than the required 129 votes.

Prime Minister John Key is jubilant. He said the win is "a victory for the small states that make up over half the United Nations membership", reported NZ Herald. The PM said it was a vindication of New Zealand's hard work during the campaign phase with the belief that the country can make a positive difference in world affairs and raise a unique and independent voice at the world's top table.

Victory For Small States

New Zealand's Foreign Minister Murray McCully said he is feeling an "enormous sense of relief." McCully recalled how New Zealand invested a lot of time and energy in presenting its credentials before the member states to win on a first ballot against the big heavyweights such as Spain and Turkey. New Zealand started the campaign for the high seat in 2004 when Labour leader Helen Clark was the Prime Minister. Clark is now associated with the UN as the head of the United Nations Development Programme.

McCully praised the country's team in New York led by ambassador Jim McLay for doing "a terrific job." The Foreign Minister told Radio New Zealand that one of the reasons to get into the UN Security Council was to bring certain qualities to the council at a time when there is a feeling of smaller countries being squeezed out of reckoning.

Good For Development

McCully noted the high seat will also offer opportunities to advance the interests of New Zealnd. One of which is engaging other countries in relationships for trade and economic development.

According to a UN Spokesman, the newly elected nonpermanent members in the UN Security Council will serve two-year terms beginning on Jan. 1, 2015 until Dec. 31, 2016. Besides New Zealand, Angola, Malaysia, Spain and Venezuela were also elected to the Security Council.

Labour Hails Victory

Meanwhile, Labour Party's foreign affairs spokesman David Shearer congratulated McCully and his team for the achievement. The Labour leader said the impressive victory with 145 votes was a testimony to the effective campaign and also about the esteem that New Zealand enjoys in the world. Shearer said now New Zealand has to deliver on its campaign commitments.