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WHY 'INDEPENDENT?' 

An Independent Member of Parliament (MP) has the same legislative powers and responsibilities as any other MP in their respective country's parliament or legislative body. Here are some key things an Independent MP can do:

1

Vote on Legislation: They can vote on bills, proposed laws, and government policies, just like party-affiliated MPs.

2

Introduce Legislation: Independents can introduce their own bills or propose amendments to existing ones.

3

Constituent Services: They can represent and advocate for their constituents' interests, address their concerns, and help them navigate government services.

4

Committee Work: Independent MPs often participate in parliamentary committees, where they review and scrutinize proposed legislation, conduct investigations, and make recommendations.

5

Debate and Speeches: They have the opportunity to participate in debates and deliver speeches on various issues in parliament.

6

Questioning Government: They can ask questions of government officials, including the prime minister or relevant ministers, to seek answers or accountability.

7

Advocacy: Independents can champion specific causes, policies, or reforms that align with their principles or the needs of their constituents.

8

Constituency Projects: They can advocate for funding and resources for projects in their constituency, such as infrastructure development or community programs.

9

Collaboration: Independent MPs can collaborate with other MPs, regardless of party affiliation, to build support for their initiatives or to influence policy decisions.

10

Holding the Government to Account: Like all MPs, they play a role in holding the government accountable for its actions and decisions.

Image by Mike Tinnion
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