VIENNA, Oct. 28 (Xinhua) -- Argentina's candidate for the next chief of the United Nations nuclear watchdog had a clear lead against Romanian candidate, but failed to achieve a two-thirds majority in a voting conducted by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) board of governors here on Monday.

Rafael Mariano Grossi won 20 votes in a closed-door balloting by the 35-member board of governors for the position of director general of the IAEA, and Cornel Feruta of Romania garnered 14 votes, according to the IAEA website.

This was the second round of balloting, after Grossi and Feruta got 16 and 17 votes, respectively, in the first round conducted a week ago.

Compared with the first round, Grossi gained four votes, while Feruta lost three.

In order to be appointed, a candidate must secure a two-thirds majority in the 35-member IAEA board of governors. In the absence of such a majority, the balloting process will continue. A new round of balloting will be held on Tuesday, according to the IAEA.

The board of governors appoints the new director general for a term of four years. Its decision will be submitted for approval to the IAEA General Conference, which consists of representatives of all 171 member states.