Key Events of the Past Week (August 17 — 23)

🇧🇷 Brazil officially launched its electoral campaign ahead of the 2026 general elections. Candidates were allowed to begin public campaigning, including rallies, leafleting, and online political advertising. IAPEE is preparing an international observation mission for the upcoming elections.

🇰🇿 Kazakhstan held its first parliamentary elections under the new Constitution, with voters electing deputies to the newly established single-chamber Kurultai.

🇿🇦 The 46th SADC Summit was held in Durban, South Africa. The regional bloc adopted industrialisation, infrastructure development, and the transformation of agriculture and critical minerals as its key priorities.

🇷🇺🇲🇲 Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing visited Moscow for talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The two sides discussed cooperation in energy, defence, and other strategic sectors.

🇺🇸🇨🇦 The United States introduced 50% tariffs on a range of Canadian goods, further escalating trade tensions between the two countries. The new duties took effect on August 22.