Zambia's Parliament has declared the seat held by Tasila Lungu, daughter of the late former President Edgar Lungu, vacant. This decision follows her continued absence from parliamentary duties. Ms. Lungu represented the Chawama constituency in Lusaka for the opposition Patriotic Front.
Background to Absence
Former President Edgar Lungu died in June at the age of 68 in South Africa, where he had been seeking medical treatment. His death initiated a legal dispute between his family and current President Hakainde Hichilema concerning the repatriation of his remains for a state funeral.
- President Hichilema sought to repatriate the body for a state funeral.
- The Lungu family stated that the deceased had given instructions that President Hichilema "should not be anywhere near" his body.
- A Pretoria court ruled in August in favor of the Zambian government, a decision the Lungu family is challenging in South Africa.The former president's remains currently remain in South Africa.
Parliamentary Proceedings
Action concerning Ms. Lungu's parliamentary seat began in July when Brian Kambita, an MP from the ruling United Party for National Development, questioned her continued qualification for office due to prolonged absence.
- Speaker Nelly Mutti initially granted Ms. Lungu 14 days of compassionate leave for mourning, expecting her return in September.
- Ms. Lungu did not return within the specified period.
- She subsequently requested additional time off until her family's court case regarding her father's burial was resolved and also requested to attend parliamentary sessions virtually.
- The matter was referred to the parliamentary committee on privileges and absences, which invited Ms. Lungu to appear on November 18. She did not attend this meeting.
- The committee proposed allowing Ms. Lungu to represent her constituency online until the burial arrangements were concluded.
- Speaker Mutti rejected this proposal, stating that virtual attendance could not replace physical representation.
- On Friday, Ms. Lungu issued a Facebook statement thanking her constituency team.
Reactions and Future Steps
Independent MP Binwell Mpundu criticized the government's actions, stating that it was inappropriate to nullify the seat of a grieving daughter after involving the family in a court dispute.
Elections for the vacant seat are anticipated within 90 days, preceding Zambia's next general election scheduled for August.