Venezuela and Guatemala have failed again to secure a seat on the UN Security Council.

The UN remained deadlocked in the 36th round of voting for the fifth seat on the Security Council on Wednesday.

US-backed Guatemala led Venezuela by a vote of 109 to 72 on the 36th ballot, but it could not muster the two-thirds majority, 121 votes, needed to win a seat on the UN's most powerful body.

The General Assembly president has ordered a 37th ballot.

"…there still remains one seat from among the Latin American and Caribbean states to be filled, in accordance with Rule 92 of the rules of procedure, we should proceed now to the next round of voting by secret ballot."

Some countries have suggested that Venezuela bow out, but Guatemala says the country is considering withdrawing rather than blocking the General Assembly.

The record number of ballots for a Security Council seat occurred in 1979, when the General Assembly held 154 unsuccessful votes to choose between Cuba and Colombia.

Mexico was then put forward and won in the 155th round.