This is a significant divergence from the traditional alliance with either the Majority or Minority caucuses.
The former Nadowli Kaleo MP made the discovery during his opening comments in Parliament, as the new standing orders took effect on Tuesday, February 6th.
MPs can now join the independent caucus instead of the Minority or Majority, according to the amended rules.
Mr Bagbin emphasised the flexibility provided by these changes, stressing, “We can have an independent president in this country without members of parliament.”
He also emphasised that the regulation changes recognise the existing political situation and anticipate potential future eventualities.
Additionally, according to the revised Standing Orders, legislative sessions will henceforth begin with the recital of the National Pledge.
One of the most notable changes is that leaders of government institutions must now come directly before Parliament to answer questions about their agency, as opposed to the former practice of enabling Ministers of State to represent them during questioning.
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