from ARNOLD MULENGA in Lusaka, Zambia
Zambia Bureau
LUSAKA, (CAJ News) – THE fallout between the government and deceased former president, Edgar Lungu, has taken a new twist after Parliament declared vacant a seat occupied by his daughter.
Nelly Mutti, Speaker of the National Assembly, has declared the Chawama Member of Parliament (MP) seat vacant.
Tasila Lungu Mwansa is the MP of the area that is in the capital, Lusaka, but like some other Lungus, has been in South Africa since the death of the former president in June.
A deadlock over the burial has ensued, while there are fears among other family members of prosecution when they return to Zambia.
Tasila has addressed her constituency amid the Chawama seat declared vacant.
“We have made every effort to represent you, including virtually, during this deeply painful mourning period as we have not yet laid dad, President Edgar Chagwa Lungu to rest,” she said.
She pledged to “going to fight to keep our Chawama Family strong and united.”
“Let us remember that we continued working even as we faced a very challenging election petition for the same seat at the beginning of my term in 2021 which we overcame by the grace of God and all your efforts.”
Lungu’s daughter added, “That’s Ubuntu, where there is a will there is always a way. We shall never lose hope.”
A spokesperson of the main opposition Patriotic Front (PF) accused the United Party for National Development (UPND) -led government of spilling Zambia into “a needless political circus.”
“Instead, we are being dragged into an expensive political show to prove that HH is stronger than the Lungu family. This is not leadership. This is desperation,” the official said.
HH is President Hakainde Hichilema.
He defeated Lungu in 2021.
Before his death, courts had barred Lungu from contesting in 2026.
The PF is beset by factionalism ahead of next year’s polls in the Southern African country.
– CAJ News