Suspended Punjab opposition members allowed to vote in Senate by-election

The Punjab Assembly Secretariat has clarified that all 26 opposition members suspended last month will be allowed to cast their votes in the upcoming Senate by-election scheduled for July 21.

In an official statement issued Monday, the Secretariat confirmed that despite their suspension over misconduct, the members retain their voting rights specifically for the Senate election. The clarification puts to rest speculation about their eligibility following disciplinary action.

The opposition lawmakers were suspended on June 27 for allegedly rioting and using abusive language during the heated budget session. Their suspension was linked to 15 Assembly sittings.

The by-election for a vacant Senate seat from Punjab is set to take place within the Assembly premises on July 21, and this clarification ensures that the suspended members will be able to vote for their preferred candidate despite being barred from other Assembly proceedings.