Regional groupings nominated five countries which went through voting on Thursday. After voting, the Assembly President of the 192-member General Assembly, Ali Treki, announced the results - 186 votes for Nigeria, 184 for Gabon, 183 for Bosnia, 182 for Brazil and 180 for Lebanon and declared the five countries elected to terms beginning January 1, 2010.

"It's going to be an even stronger Security Council, I think, next year," Britain's UN Ambassador John Sawers was quoted as saying by the This Day newspaper.

"We have two large countries in Brazil and Nigeria who carry the weight of being a regional power. We have two countries in Lebanon and Bosnia that have been through conflict and can bring their own national experiences to the Security Council," he added.

For Bosnia and Lebanon, he was quoted in the Associated Press (AP) as saying, "I think the experience of being on the council will help strengthen their national government systems to enable to take decisions, to take a view at the centre on international issues and broaden the context of those governments."

On the eve of Nigeria's election to the seat yesterday, Amnesty International called on the Nigerian government to strengthen its national human rights record and demonstrate the country's commitment to promoting and protecting human rights.

"In 12 months Nigeria will celebrate 50 years of independence. Following successive military regimes, efforts have been made by the Nigerian government to improve the human rights situation in the country.

"The Constitution that came into force in 1999 recognizes the right to life; prohibits torture and other ill treatment, and guarantees a fair trial; however, economic, social and cultural rights fall under the directive principles and are not justifiable. In addition, a wide range of human rights concern remains," it said.