The elections were held under special conditions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with ambassadors only allowed to enter the General Assembly Hall one-by-one to cast their ballots instead of the simultaneous voting that usually takes place.
Kenya was considered the favorite due to having the support from the African Union, but Djibouti received backing from the Organization for Islamic Cooperation, Arab League, and Organisation internationale de la Francophonie and campaigned aggressively to the end.
[21] In 2019, Canada attempted to garner support for its campaign by serving poutine to UN diplomats, while Norway responded by distributing waffles, a popular Nordic food, and Ireland hosted a Saint Patrick's Day party at the UN.
[23] Norway was the largest contributor per capita to the UN budget of the three candidates, and the most generous donor of foreign assistance in the world, donating more than 1% of its GDP for international development.
[25] However, obstacles to Canada's bid included its having spent the longest time as an elected member of the Security Council of the three candidates[22] and its consistent voting record in support of Israel.
Campaigning plans among the candidates in the months preceding the election were cancelled and replaced with "lobbying via phone and Zoom," and ambassadors submitted their ballots in the UN General Assembly Hall at staggered, prearranged time slots while wearing masks.
[28] Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated the outcome on Twitter, reiterating that "India will work with all member countries to promote global peace, security, resilience and equity."
President Kenyatta called the victory a "demonstration of the country’s growing profile and influence in the community of nations as a steadfast and dependable development partner" and thanked Djibouti for being a "worthwhile opponent.
[37] Irish Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said that his country would use the seat "to advance the causes we've championed, peace and security, conflict resolution, reconciliation, climate action, sustainable development, and gender equality.
Meanwhile, opposition leader Andrew Scheer criticized the campaign as "another foreign affairs failure for Justin Trudeau," accusing him of "[selling] out Canada's principles for a personal vanity project.