The race to become the next United Nations secretary-general is entering its final lap, just a few months before Ban Ki-moon is set to step down from his post as U.N. chief. Maybe you’re finding yourself still a bit confused about the process. There’s a good reason for that.

While officially dubbed an election, the race to serve as the U.N.’s leader largely happens behind closed doors, and ultimately comes down to the political leanings — and votes — of the five permanent members of the Security Council.

It’s a crowded playing field this year, as 10 candidates are now in the running.