Zambia's parliament has declared vacant the seat held by the daughter of the late ex-President Edgar Lungu, because of her continued absence in the wake of his death.
Until her dismissal, Tasila Lungu had been the MP for Chawama constituency in the capital, Lusaka, representing the opposition Patriotic Front. In a message to her voters, she hinted that she may try and challenge the decision, saying where there is a will there is a way.
In June, her father died at the age of 68 in South Africa, leading to a bitter legal row with his successor, President Hakainde Hichilema, who wanted to repatriate the body for a state funeral against the family's wishes. Ms. Lungu has been attending court in South Africa challenging an earlier ruling that favored the government. The former president's remains remain in South Africa as the family fights for his burial wishes.
The action against her parliamentary seat first came from the ruling United Party for National Development, with MP Brian Kambita questioning her eligibility due to her prolonged absence. While the Speaker of Parliament initially granted her compassionate leave to mourn, Ms. Lungu did not return to her duties and continues to seek virtual attendance during this trying time.
The decision has elicited mixed reactions, with comments from independent MP Binwell Mpundu criticizing the government's approach as hypocritical. Discussions surrounding her absence highlight the balance between personal grief and public duty, and upcoming elections for her seat are expected within 90 days.
Until her dismissal, Tasila Lungu had been the MP for Chawama constituency in the capital, Lusaka, representing the opposition Patriotic Front. In a message to her voters, she hinted that she may try and challenge the decision, saying where there is a will there is a way.
In June, her father died at the age of 68 in South Africa, leading to a bitter legal row with his successor, President Hakainde Hichilema, who wanted to repatriate the body for a state funeral against the family's wishes. Ms. Lungu has been attending court in South Africa challenging an earlier ruling that favored the government. The former president's remains remain in South Africa as the family fights for his burial wishes.
The action against her parliamentary seat first came from the ruling United Party for National Development, with MP Brian Kambita questioning her eligibility due to her prolonged absence. While the Speaker of Parliament initially granted her compassionate leave to mourn, Ms. Lungu did not return to her duties and continues to seek virtual attendance during this trying time.
The decision has elicited mixed reactions, with comments from independent MP Binwell Mpundu criticizing the government's approach as hypocritical. Discussions surrounding her absence highlight the balance between personal grief and public duty, and upcoming elections for her seat are expected within 90 days.
