The Chawama parliamentary seat has officially been declared vacant after Speaker of the National Assembly Nelly Mutti ruled that area Member of Parliament Tasila Lungu Mwansa failed to attend parliamentary sittings for several months, beginning in June.
Mwansa left Zambia shortly after the death of her father, former President Edgar Chagwa Lungu, on 5 June, and has remained in South Africa throughout the mourning period while finalising family matters related to the delayed burial. Her extended stay has sparked growing public and political interest.
During Friday’s parliamentary sitting, Speaker Mutti informed members that Mwansa had not complied with a directive issued at the start of the Fifth Session of the Thirteenth National Assembly, which required her to return to the House within 14 days.
Citing Standing Orders 215 and 243, Mutti invoked Article 72(8) of the Constitution, which provides for the removal of an MP who is absent without permission for an entire session.
When the question was put before the House, a clear majority voted in favour, authorising the Speaker to notify the Electoral Commission of Zambia that the seat had fallen vacant.
Following the announcement, Mwansa released a letter addressed to the people of Chawama, acknowledging the decision and expressing gratitude for their support.
She highlighted the emotional toll her family has endured since her father’s passing and noted that, despite her physical absence, she had attempted to stay connected to parliamentary duties from South Africa.
Mwansa outlined several development projects she initiated before leaving the country, including the paving of more than 12 kilometres of township roads, drainage improvements, construction of mother-and-child shelters, classroom blocks, and continued school feeding programmes.
She also praised local councillors and community leaders for ensuring that these initiatives progressed during her absence.
However, her letter did not clarify when she intends to return, nor did it address questions surrounding the duration of her stay abroad.
Her absence has fuelled political speculation, particularly given the prominence of the Lungu family and the heightened scrutiny faced by figures associated with the former ruling party. W
hile Mwansa has not been linked to any legal matters, supporters of the late president continue to express concerns about what they view as a difficult climate for former officials.
With the Chawama seat now vacant, the Electoral Commission is expected to announce a by-election date soon. In the meantime, constituency affairs will be overseen by ward development committees and local administrative structures.
Mwansa concluded her message to residents with a brief but heartfelt note, saying she loves and misses them, and urging unity during what she described as a painful period for her family.
Picture: Tasila Lungu