Malawi's May 2019 Elections

Malawians go to the polls on Tuesday 21 May 2019. Despite years of policy plans and extensive donor assistance, Malawi remains firmly rooted among the poorest nations worldwide. This is partly down to a pernicious political-economy, one fraught with monopolies and vested interests, less interested in growth than maintaining control. No country ever developed through subsistence agriculture, and Malawi is no different.

Perhaps this time round these elections will be different. The candidates at the first presidential debate promised that. But realising this promise will require aligning politics, policy and the needs of Malawi’s burgeoning population.