IAPEE🌐

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.

🇲🇳From August 17 to 28, Ulaanbaatar is hosting COP17 of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification. This is a major international forum bringing together 197 Parties, international organizations, scientists, businesses, and local communities to discuss the future of the world’s land resources.

What could COP17 mean for Mongolia and the wider Eurasian region? Read the commentary by Arildiipurev Tsevelragchaa, IAPEE Expert from Mongolia.

🇩🇿On July 28, Algeria has taken a historic step forward with the election of Dr. Khalida Boufedech as President of the National People’s Assembly. Her victory marks the first time a woman has assumed this role since independence. What this means for the country's future?

Read the commentary by Salah Eddine Tiar, IAPEE Expert and Founder of the NGO “Algeria Youth Ambassadors”: https://telegra.ph/First-Female-Parliamentary-Speaker-in-60-years-08-18

Key Events of the Past Week (August 10 — 16)

🇻🇪 The Venezuelan government and part of the opposition agreed to reform the judicial system and replace the judges of the Supreme Tribunal of Justice. The agreement was reached following several days of talks between the two sides.

🇦🇫 Afghan authorities called on the United States to reopen its embassy in Kabul and restore diplomatic ties with Afghanistan. The Taliban also urged Washington to expand economic cooperation with the country.

🇿🇲 The Electoral Commission of Zambia temporarily suspended the counting and announcement of election results following violence against election officials and the theft of ballot papers. The first results were expected later on Friday.

🇮🇱🇵🇸 A Hamas delegation arrived in Cairo for talks on advancing the Gaza ceasefire. The discussions focused on the implementation of the ceasefire and further steps toward ending the conflict.

🇿🇲Today, our attention turns to Zambia, where the 2026 general elections are taking place.

What makes this election especially important? What has changed in the electoral system? And who are the main candidates competing for the presidency?

Swipe through our cards to learn more about Zambia’s electoral system, the key innovations introduced ahead of the 2026 vote, and the leading presidential candidates shaping this year’s race.

Key Events of the Past Week (July 27 — August 2)

🇺🇳The UN Security Council held its first round of preliminary straw polls for candidates seeking to become the next Secretary-General of the United Nations.

🇪🇸Spanish authorities responded to a new surge of irregular migrants attempting to enter the enclave of Ceuta from Morocco and reinforced border security.

🇮🇳Protests organised by India's "Cockroach Janta Party" ended after India's Minister of Education resigned.

🇺🇸🇺🇦U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met at the White House to discuss bilateral relations, security cooperation, and efforts to resolve the conflict in Ukraine.

🇰🇬President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov signed a decree scheduling the country's next presidential election for January 27, 2027.

🗳️We’re continuing our series on the elections held in 2026. This time, the focus is on three countries: Vietnam, Nepal and Laos. You can read the first part here