With the defaulting of the elections, the Committee with 4 seats has won a majority hold on the parliament. Their promise of change and reform seems to have brought quite a lot of members on-board with the party, leading to an increase in popularity. But, what does the 3 remaining Independent MPs think of the situation? What are their views on the Committee?
The reaction of the independent MPs seem to range from slight suspicion to an open-armed welcoming of the change. In Independent MP Hugh's words;
I think that it is great for the party however a lot of people might be skepitcal. In order for it to be a good term, I think the Committee will have to work heavily with the independents that are in the parliament to make the best bills for everyone and try not to quote on quote stack up against the rest of parliament to pass a bill.
While the committee holds a 4-seat majority, and the ability to pass legislation as they wish, they would still need support from the Independents in any constitutional deep-rooted reform andas well as overriding any PM Vetos that may come their way. However, there were also more positive responses to the newfound popularity of the Committee, such as from Independent MP AlienBloom;
I feel like it’s a new start for what is to come, it brings the needed support of most politicians to one cause which I love. Me and sparks are I think the only independents and have a great bond like your committee which is great, and should strengthen the parliament.
The Committee has thanked their supporters for the majority seat, and has pledged to "use this power granted to us for good". As of now, their committee chamber, the ruling body of the committee that holds votes to make decisions through motions, is undertaking a hearing with the fourth MP, TippyTaps to assess whether to invite her to the chamber. One of the inviting points of the committee for the members may have been the democratic leadership of the party, with the committee chamber holding near absolute power rather than the chairman who has a similar task to that of a Spokesperson and a Speaker of Parliament.
This unification of the MPs under one common goal has been an exciting prospect for some, with the Independent MP Sparkichu stating;
Now, I personally have not been very into parties myself. My only time participating in one a lot was when I helped run one, but I genuinely did not understand it too much. I am not someone who generally fits into one party. The Committee having a majority is not an issue to me. I actually think it's wonderful that I will have the opportunity to work with both independents and Committee members to see where everyone's ideals lie. The fact that we only have one party and some independents makes me hope that there will not be much fighting at all this term of parliament which will help us to remain friendly and professional throughout.
What are the visions of the Independents?
On top of asking about the concerns and thoughts of the Independent MPs regarding the majority of the Committee, we have asked them what they plan on achieving in this term. Here are their full responses.
TheHugh:
What are your plans regarding the following term?
I plan to be a devoted and dedicated member of Parliament. I plan to propose bills like the Department of Transportation act (Crucial for the new world we are getting) As well as ensure that the executive is kept in check and doing their jobs to the correct standard.
Can you tell us a bit more about the Department of Transportation aspect?
Yes. The new map is arising very soon and I really feel like there can be some more transportation roleplay aspects. With it becoming larger in size, maybe we will need more bus networks? More trains? Potentially even ferries that take you else where (Such as being a way to go to the wild instead of using a warp) The possibilities are endless and I think dedicating a department to it would be able to help a lot.
Is there anything else you'd like the readers to know?
I am excited for this term. Although I may be one of the newer players on the parliament, I can't wait to push idea's for the better of Stratham!
AlienBloom:
What are your plans regarding the following term?
Yes I plan to go back and make more economic laws so we can help support all jobs and people through their work.
Can you give us some examples?
Some for example would be a more efficient contract law, chef rights, and more...
Is there anything else you'd like the readers to know?
I like to take my time instead of rush the bills needed, our goal is to make good valid bills not rushed bills which y’all would agree.
Sparkichu:
What are your plans regarding the following term?
My grand plan for this term is genuinely to make sure we all work together, whether independent or part of the Committee. I may not have been here this last term, but I have heard about the past several terms. I believe if we work together and encourage each other, we can keep this parliament active and even create an image for future parliaments to work toward. In terms of a big project, well, I am definitely still working on that. I would love to talk to some citizens and other members of parliament as well as some officials to make sure any project I pursue will be good for everyone.
Is there anything else you'd like the readers to know?
I would love for the readers to know that as an independent, I am here to be a voice for everyone, especially those who don't find themselves agreeing completely with a party. Even if someone who does follow a certain party wants to be heard through the voice of someone who is not of that party, I would love to help them be heard. I am someone who wants the citizens of Stratham to be heard, and I want to work with everyone during this term in order to make it the best one yet.
We thank all Independent Members of Parliament for their time and congratulate them on their seats!