​In their election of Council states, the 193 Chicago Convention member States are mandated by that agreement to ensure that adequate representation is provided for three categories of countries:

• Those of 'chief importance' in air transport.
• Those States not otherwise included which make the largest contributions to the provision of facilities for international civil air navigation.
• And those States not otherwise included which ensure that all major geographic regions are represented. 

With respect to the Council election procedure:

• Each State present at the Assembly has one vote in each of the three elections of the Council.
• A country not elected to one Council category may seek election in any other category.