The UN Economic and Social Council has 54 members, elected for three-year terms by the General Assembly. Voting in the Council is by simple majority; each member has one vote. Seats on the Council are allotted based on geographical representation with 14 allocated to African States, 11 to Asian States, 6 to Eastern European States, 10 to Latin American and Caribbean States, and 13 to Western European and other States. 18 seats are either newly elected or renewed each year. Membership can be renewed immediately after it expires.
Table Notes:
1. Long serving members: Canada since 1981; China since 1972; France since 1946; Germany since 1974; Japan since 1982; Russia since 1947; the UK since 1947; the USA since 1946.
Sources:
UN Economic and Social Council, United Nations Handbook 1997 (New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade), Permanent Mission of the Czech Republic to the United Nations, Department of Public Information: Membership of Principal United Nations Organs in 2005, Department of Public Information : Membership of Principal United Nations Organs in 2006, Department of Public Information: Membership of Principal United Nations Organs in 2008