India's Jagjit Pavadia re-elected to International Narcotics Control Board

In a significant victory, India's Jagjit Pavadia was re-elected to the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) for another term, posting the highest number of votes at 44.

Pavadia, in her 60s, has been a member of the INCB since 2015 and her current term is set to expire in 2020.

"India's Jagjit Pavadia tops International Narcotics Control Board Election," India's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Syed Akbaruddin tweeted after the election results were announced.

"We are deeply grateful to all India's many friends who ensured such a huge win in a very competitive election," he said.

The 54-member Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) held elections by secret ballot Tuesday, with 15 candidates in fray for five seats.

There were 54 members present and voting and the required majority to win the election was 28. After the first round of voting, Pavadia emerged at the top, getting the highest number of votes at 44, followed by Jallal Toufiq of Morocco with 32 votes and Cesar Tomas Arce Rivas of Paraguay with 31 votes.

Pavadia has been re-elected for a five-year term beginning on March 2, 2020 and expiring on March 1, 2025.

In a video message, Pavadia said she is "deeply grateful" to the Member States for the "trust reposed" in her by re-electing her as member of the Board for the period 2020-2025.

"I am committed to working impartially and sincerely to the treaty-mandated duties assigned to me as a Board member," she said, thanking the Member States for their "invaluable support."