In a dramatic turn of events, the parliamentary seat for Chawama constituency has officially been declared vacant, following the prolonged absence of MP Tasila Lungu from the House.
According to reports circulating on social media and echoed by several political watchers on Friday, the seat is no longer occupied by Lungu. Sources claim the move comes after she failed to resume duties within the deadline given by the Speaker of the National Assembly.
Background — Absence, Ultimatums, and Consequences
The matter first gained public attention when the Speaker of the National Assembly, Nelly Mutti, issued an ultimatum to Lungu in mid-2025, directing her to return to the House within 14 days after the burial of her late father, or within 14 days of the opening of the fifth session of the 13th National Assembly.
The deadline — widely reported to be 7 October 2025 — came against a backdrop of legal disputes and delays surrounding her father’s burial in South Africa. Critics and some MPs had argued that her continued absence left Chawama without representation.
Prior to the seat being declared vacant, there had been formal motions in parliament questioning whether it was appropriate for the constituency to remain unrepresented while the MP remained outside the country, especially given that extended absence without written permission violates parliamentary rules under standing orders related to attendance and privileges.
Implications — Constituency, Party & National Politics
The vacancy of the Chawama seat carries several immediate and long-term implications:
Constituents of Chawama are currently without direct representation in the National Assembly, creating a representation gap at a critical time when many expect more engagement and development from their elected official.
The vacant seat could trigger a by-election (though some sources suggest financial or political hesitations may delay or prevent one), or it may remain unfilled until the next general elections. Early online reports have already stated there may be no by-election.
For Patriotic Front (PF), the loss of Chawama — once held by the party — represents a political blow and raises questions about internal cohesion, candidate selection, and oversight of MPs.
On a broader scale, the development rekindles national debate on absenteeism in public office, constitutional obligations of elected officials, and the balance between personal circumstances and public duty.
What’s Next — Uncertainty and Watchful Eyes
As of now, there has been no official statement from Tasila Lungu or PF confirming the seat’s vacancy, or outlining any appeal or return plan. Public discourse and social-media sources remain the main drivers of confirmation.
Observers are also watching for signals from the parliamentary leadership or the electoral commission on whether a by-election will be called for Chawama — or whether the seat will remain vacant until the next general election.
Meanwhile, some civil-society actors and constituency residents have voiced concerns that prolonged absence and sudden vacancy undermine democratic representation and long-term community development in Chawama.
