The United Nations Security Council "veto power '' refers to the power of the permanent members of the United Nations Security Council to veto any "substantive '' resolution. A permanent member 's abstention or absence does not prevent a draft resolution from being adopted. However, the veto power does not apply to "procedural '' votes, as determined by the permanent members themselves. A permanent member can also block the selection of a Secretary - General, although a formal veto is unnecessary since the vote is taken behind closed doors.
who holds veto power in the united nations security council
permanent members of the United Nations Security Council