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Zambia parliament declares Tasila Lungu's seat vacant over prolonged absence
Zambia's parliament has declared the Chawama constituency seat vacant after opposition MP Tasila Lungu, daughter of late former President Edgar Lungu, failed to return following her father's death in June. The decision, announced Friday, follows months of legal battles and parliamentary absences tied to the dispute over her father's burial arrangements.
Legal and political dispute over burial
Edgar Lungu died at 68 in South Africa, where he was receiving medical treatment. His death triggered a bitter feud between his family and President Hakainde Hichilema's government, which sought to repatriate the body for a state funeral. The Lungu family resisted, citing the late president's reported instructions that Hichilema "should not be anywhere near" his remains.
A Pretoria court ruled in August that Hichilema, as head of state, must be permitted to attend the funeral. Lungu's family has since challenged the decision, keeping the remains in South Africa as the legal standoff persists.
Parliamentary absence and dismissal
Tasila Lungu, a member of the opposition Patriotic Front, had been absent since her father's death. Speaker Nelly Mutti initially granted her 14 days of compassionate leave, expecting her return when parliament reconvened in September. When she failed to resume duties, parliament contacted her again, but she requested additional time until the burial dispute was resolved.
The parliamentary committee on privileges and absences proposed allowing her to participate virtually, but Mutti rejected the idea, insisting physical representation was mandatory. Lungu also missed a scheduled committee hearing on November 18.
Reactions and next steps
In a Friday Facebook post to constituents, Lungu thanked her team for continuing work in Chawama and hinted at a possible challenge, writing, "Where there is a will there is a way." Elections for the vacant seat must now be held within 90 days, despite Zambia's general election scheduled for August 2026.
Critics, including independent MP Binwell Mpundu, accused the government of hypocrisy. "You dragged [the Lungus] to court and today you nullify the parliamentary seat for the daughter who is mourning the late father. Hypocrites," Mpundu said. Others argue her absence has left Chawama residents without representation.
