Lusaka lawyer Tresford Chali has filed an application before the Constitutional Court seeking an order to stay the ruling of the Speaker of the National Assembly, which declared the Chawama Constituency seat vacant.
On Friday, 28th November 2025, Speaker Nelly Mutti declared the Chawama parliamentary seat previously held by Tasila Lungu vacant following Ms. Lungu’s absence from Parliament since the death of her father five months ago.
The Speaker ruled that Ms. Lungu had breached Standing Orders 215 and 234 of the National Assembly Standing Orders of 2024.
However, the petitioner has argued that the Speaker’s ruling did not indicate which provisions of the Parliamentary and Ministerial Code of Conduct Act, Chapter 16 of the Laws of Zambia, Ms. Lungu had allegedly breached.
He further contends that the Speaker did not make any reference to the two pieces of legislation in her ruling.
Among the reliefs Mr. Chali is seeking is that the declaration of the Chawama seat as vacant be declared null and void ab initio, arguing that it violates Article 72(2)(c) of the Constitution.
Mr. Chali is asking the Constitutional Court to quash the Speaker’s ruling entirely.
By Cecilia Kayaya Mporokoso
