National Assembly Speaker Reserves Ruling on Opposition MP's Extended Absence

A National Assembly Speaker has reserved a ruling on whether opposition MP Tasila Lungu Mwansa, who has been absent from parliament for months, should lose her seat.

Speaker Nelly Mutti was asked to rule on the continued absence of Chawama constituency MP Ms Lungu, daughter of late former president Edgar Lungu.

The ruling People's Party (UPND) MP Brian Kambita raised the matter during parliamentary proceedings, questioning whether the house was "in order" to allow Ms Lungu to continue serving when she allegedly has no intention of returning to Zambia.

The challenge comes after former First Lady Esther Lungu told a South African court that the family did not wish to return to Zambia, citing safety concerns during ongoing legal proceedings over her late husband's burial.

Mr Kambita cited parliamentary Standing Order 23, which requires MPs to seek written permission from the Speaker or Government Chief Whip for extended absences. Under the rules, MPs absent for four or more consecutive sittings without permission face referral to the Committee on Privileges and Absences.

The procedure can ultimately lead to suspension: seven days for first offenders, 14 days for second offenders, and 30 days for repeat offenders.

Ms Lungu, who has served as Chawama MP since 2021 under the opposition Patriotic Front (PF), has been absent from parliament while her family remains in South Africa amid a legal dispute with the government.

Local reports suggest some constituents in Chawama have called for Ms Lungu's replacement, with at least one businessman launching a campaign to contest the seat.

Speaker Mutti's eventual ruling will determine whether Ms Lungu can continue representing her constituency while remaining outside the country, or whether her prolonged absence constitutes grounds for losing her parliamentary seat.