When is International Court of Justice Judge Selection?
📅 International Court Of Justice Judge Selection Calendar (2026)
| Year | Day | Date | Days Left |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Thu | November 5, 2026 | 55 days |
Estimated next date: November 5, 2026.
The next regular International Court of Justice judge election is confirmed for November 2026 at United Nations Headquarters in New York. The UN has not yet published the exact meeting day, so November 5 is an estimated date based on the timing of recent regular ICJ elections. Five judges will be selected for terms beginning on February 6, 2027.
When Is the Next International Court of Justice Judge Selection?
The election will take place during the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in November 2026. A precise date and meeting time are still pending.
The General Assembly and the Security Council will vote separately but during the same election process. Both bodies must elect the same five candidates before the result is complete.
Where Will the ICJ Judge Election Take Place?
Voting will be held at United Nations Headquarters in New York City. General Assembly ballots are normally conducted in the General Assembly Hall, while Security Council members vote in a separate Council meeting.
The judges who are elected will serve at the International Court of Justice in the Peace Palace in The Hague, Netherlands. The election itself does not take place at the Court.
How Are International Court of Justice Judges Selected?
The International Court of Justice has 15 judges. Members serve nine-year terms, with five seats normally coming up for election every three years.
Separate Votes by Two UN Bodies
Candidates must receive an absolute majority in both:
- The United Nations General Assembly
- The United Nations Security Council
The two bodies vote independently by secret ballot. A candidate therefore needs support across the wider UN membership as well as within the 15-member Security Council.
Permanent Security Council members do not have a veto in ICJ elections. Their votes carry the same weight as those of the Council’s elected members.
What Happens If the Results Do Not Match?
The General Assembly and Security Council may initially select different candidates. Further rounds are then held until the same five people obtain the required majority in both bodies.
Voting can continue through several rounds, especially when candidates are competing closely for the final seat. The election may therefore last longer than one scheduled meeting.
Which ICJ Terms Begin After the 2026 Election?
The five judges elected in November 2026 are expected to begin their nine-year terms on February 6, 2027. Their terms will run through February 5, 2036.
Sitting judges may stand for re-election. The ICJ Statute does not impose a fixed limit on the number of terms a judge may serve.
Who Can Be Nominated as an ICJ Judge?
Nominees must be qualified for appointment to the highest judicial offices in their own countries or be recognized legal experts in international law. They are expected to act independently rather than represent the governments connected with their nominations.
Candidates are formally nominated by national groups associated with the Permanent Court of Arbitration. A national group may nominate people from its own country or from another country.
No two serving ICJ judges may be nationals of the same country. Electors are also asked to consider the representation of the principal legal systems and forms of civilization within the Court as a whole.
What Will Happen on Election Day?
The final timetable will be issued closer to the election. The process is expected to follow this order:
- The General Assembly and Security Council open separate meetings.
- Each body conducts a secret ballot using the official candidate list.
- Vote totals are announced after each round.
- Additional ballots are held when fewer than five candidates meet the requirements or the two bodies select different names.
- The election ends when the same five candidates secure an absolute majority in both bodies.
Results may be reported one seat at a time when several voting rounds are needed. The full list is not final until both UN bodies agree on all five elected judges.
Can the Public Watch the ICJ Judge Selection?
The United Nations usually provides live or recorded coverage of major General Assembly and Security Council meetings through UN Web TV. Broadcast details and meeting numbers are normally posted shortly before voting begins.
This is not a ticketed public ceremony. Physical access to UN Headquarters is controlled by UN security and accreditation rules. A standard visitor ticket does not guarantee admission to an election meeting.
When Will the Results Be Available?
Results are commonly announced during the meetings as candidates obtain the required votes. United Nations meeting coverage and official ICJ announcements are expected to confirm the elected judges after voting ends.
If the ballot requires many rounds, the final result may come later in the day or during a resumed meeting.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many ICJ judges will be elected in 2026?
Five judges are due to be elected in the regular 2026 selection.
How long does an ICJ judge serve?
An elected judge normally serves a nine-year term. The judges chosen in 2026 are expected to serve from February 6, 2027, through February 5, 2036.
Do countries vote directly for ICJ judges?
UN member states vote through the General Assembly. The Security Council conducts its own separate vote. A candidate must receive the required majority in both bodies.
Can a permanent Security Council member block a candidate with a veto?
No. The veto does not apply to the election of ICJ judges. Each Security Council member casts one vote.
Is November 5, 2026, the confirmed election date?
No. November 2026 is confirmed as the election period, but the exact day has not yet been officially published. November 5 is currently used as an estimated planning date and may change when the UN releases its final schedule.
