Minister of Finance, Economic Planning and Developmen Joseph Mwanamvekha on Friday unveiled a mid-year budget review statement which has seen an upward revision of planned expenditure from K1.74 trillion to K1.84 trillion.

The revision according to the minister is due to increased expenditures on salaries and cost for the just ended presidential election case.

On the economic performance in the mid- year, Mwanamvekha said there has not been a significant progress due to post election violence which also affected the revenue collection.

The minister has also hinted that they will have difficulties to finance the forthcoming presidential elections but was quick to say that government will find means of funding the polls.

Mwanamveka said: “On average our revenues were coming down and we still wish that they will continue to do so but the only challenge is that of unforeseen expenses which we did not anticipate which most of them are to do with court cases, fresh elections and also the provision of more resources to security institution during elections to ensure peace and tranquility in the country.”

However he said his ministry has made provisions and some of the resources are expected from the donors who have so far given positive indication that they may come up with the assistance.

However he pleaded with the donors to cover the unforeseen expenses plus any others that may arise, in order to spare the government from cutting on its expenditure or borrow saying this may affect service delivery and put the creates panic.

The Constitutional Court nullified the 2019 presidential elections and ordered for a fresh one, a development which will require government to fund the exercise.