Tasila Lungu Given 10 Days to Return to Parliament or Lose Chawama Seat
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| A photo of Chawama Member of Parliament Tasila Lungu |
Chawama Member of Parliament Tasila Lungu has only 10 sitting days left to return to the National Assembly or risk losing her parliamentary seat.
Speaker of the National Assembly Nelly Mutti gave Tasila an ultimatum to report back to Parliament following concerns raised over her prolonged absence. On July 25, 2025, the Speaker ruled that Tasila must appear either within 14 days after her father’s burial or within 14 days after the opening of the fifth session of the 13th National Assembly.
President Hakainde Hichilema officially opened the new session on September 12, 2025, which means Tasila must be back in Parliament by October 7, 2025.. Read more
Why is Tasila Absent?
Tasila has been in South Africa since the death of her father, former President Edgar Lungu, whose body has not yet been buried due to ongoing legal disputes over its repatriation.
In court documents, former First Lady Esther Lungu stated that the family feared for their safety in Zambia. This raised questions from MPs, with Zambezi East MP Brian Kambita asking whether Tasila should still be recognized as MP if she had no intention of returning.
Although Tasila requested a leave of absence through a letter to the Speaker’s office, the Speaker emphasized that the people of Chawama deserve representation and cannot remain in limbo... Read more
What Happens If She Fails to Return?
According to parliamentary standing orders, MPs who miss four consecutive sittings without written permission risk being reported to the Committee on Privileges and Absences, which may lead to loss of their seat.
If Tasila fails to show up by the deadline, the National Assembly may declare her seat vacant, triggering a Chawama by-election... Read more
Analysis
This situation has put the spotlight on the balance between personal grief and public duty. While Tasila is mourning her father, her role as MP comes with constitutional obligations. Many Zambians feel her prolonged absence leaves her constituency unrepresented at a crucial time when Parliament is making key decisions.
For the ruling party, the case could open the door for a by-election that may shift political dynamics in Lusaka. For the opposition, it raises questions about whether the former president’s family intends to remain engaged in Zambian politics... Read more
Also read this: RTSA Audio Leak Sparks Tribalism and Nepotism Debate in HH Government
👉 Do you think Tasila should keep her seat while away, or should Chawama Constituency prepare for a by-election? Share your thoughts in the comments or join the conversation on our Facebook page.
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