Whilst the Reserve Bank of Malawi stated that the Tripartite Elections have been strategically budgeted to avoid overspending, a report by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) has projected that the Malawi Kwacha may depreciate by about nine percent against other foreign currencies this year largely due to pressure on increased spending towards the May 21 2019 Tripartite Elections.

The Reserve Bank of Malawi (RBM) has however, maintained its stance of a stable currency, despite the EIU report.

As of February 2019, the Kwacha marginally depreciated against the dollar and the British pound, but the local unit appreciated against the South African rand and euro.

Meanwhile elections budget is estimated at K31.5 billion and will cover voter registration and verification, education and outreach, election materials, vehicles and polling services.

Perhaps EIU’s basis for the projection is that the Treasury plans to fund the May 21 2019 Tripartite Elections without donor support.