Rome - José Graziano da Silva, the current Director-General of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), will be the sole candidate in upcoming elections for the agency's top leadership post.

At the close of the deadline  yesterday, 31 January, the only nomination received from member countries of FAO was that of the Government of Brazil, which had put forward the name of Graziano da Silva for re-election.

Election for the post of Director-General for a four-year term of office starting on August 2015 will take place during the 39th FAO Conference (6-13 June), the highest governing body of the Organization. Members will cast their vote on a one country-one vote basis in a secret ballot which requires a simple majority for a valid outcome.

Graziano da Silva was first elected in June 2011. Directors-General may serve only two consecutive terms.