The parliament of Zambia has announced the vacancy of the seat previously occupied by the late President Edgar Lungu’s daughter, due to her ongoing absence following his passing.
Tasila Lungu served as the MP for the Chawama constituency in Lusaka, representing the opposition party, the Patriotic Front, prior to her removal.
In a communication to her constituents, she suggested that she may seek to contest the ruling, stating, “Where there is a will there is a way.”
Her father passed away in June at the age of 68 in South Africa while pursuing medical care. This event triggered a contentious legal dispute with his successor, President Hakainde Hichilema, who aimed to bring back the remains for a state funeral against the family’s wishes.
Ms. Lungu has been participating in legal proceedings in South Africa to challenge a prior verdict from August that favored Hichilema’s administration.
The government successfully convinced a Pretoria court that Hichilema should be present at the funeral as the head of state; however, the Lungu family argues that the deceased had requested the president “should not be anywhere near” his remains.
As the deadlock persists, the former president’s body remains in South Africa.
Calls for her parliamentary seat to be vacated first emerged from the governing United Party for National Development, with MP Brian Kambita raising concerns in July about Ms. Lungu’s qualification to maintain her position due to her extended absence.
Initially, Speaker Nelly Mutti granted her 14 days of compassionate leave for mourning, expecting her return to parliament in September.
However, she failed to meet the stipulated timeline.
When parliament reached out to Ms. Lungu again, instead of resuming her responsibilities, she requested additional time until the legal matter regarding her father’s burial was settled.
She also sought permission to attend parliamentary sessions digitally.
The issue was referred to the parliamentary privileges and absences committee, prompting her invitation to appear on 18 November, which she also did not attend.
Later, the committee proposed allowing her to represent the Chawama constituency online until arrangements for her father’s burial were finalized.
However, Ms. Mutti turned down that suggestion, emphasizing that virtual attendance cannot substitute for physical representation.
In a statement on Facebook to her constituents on Friday, Ms. Lungu expressed gratitude towards her “wonderful team of councillors, community members, and constituency staff who continue to coordinate and work tirelessly to serve you.”
The election to fill this now-vacant seat is anticipated to occur within 90 days, despite Zambia being set to conduct a general election next August.
The announcement regarding Ms. Lungu’s vacancy has sparked mixed reactions—some contend she should be afforded time to grieve, while others argue her constituents deserve representation.
Independent MP Binwell Mpundu criticized the government for inconsistency, asserting it is wrong for them to claim solidarity with the Lungu family.
“You dragged [them] to court and today you nullify the parliamentary seat for the daughter who is mourning the late father. Hypocrites.”
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