Speaker of the National Assembly, Nelly Mutti, has directed Chawama Member of Parliament, Tasila Lungu, to resume her duties in the House within 14 days following the burial of her father, former President Edgar Lungu, or within 14 days of the opening of the Fifth Session of the 13th National Assembly, whichever comes first.
This follows a ruling delivered today in the National Assembly after Zambezi East Member of Parliament, Brian Kambita, raised a point of order regarding Ms. Lungu’s prolonged absence from parliamentary proceedings and reports suggesting her family does not intend to return to Zambia.
Ms. Mutti clarified that, according to parliamentary standing orders, any member seeking to be absent must obtain prior written permission. She further noted that absence from four consecutive sittings without such permission requires referral to the Committee on Privileges and Absences.
While acknowledging the seriousness of the matter, the Speaker recognized the passing of former President Lungu on June 5, 2025, in Pretoria, South Africa, and the ongoing legal matters surrounding his burial.
She expressed sympathy for Ms. Lungu’s mourning period but stressed that the people of Chawama must not go unrepresented in the House.
Angel Kasabo
