"I am not surprised at anything the Independent Senators do, they never speak for anybody but themselves," Panday told the Express by phone. Panday explained that the nine Independent Senators in the Upper House were not elected by the people, they were appointed by the President. "They speak for nobody, they represent nobody. A crucial decision was made by someone whom the people did not vote for," said Panday

Merhair, during debate, explained her decision to support it, including her initial decision not to. However, yesterday Senator Dana Seetahal said, “I have been an Independent Senator for seven years, five years before her and I have heard nothing of any practice such as she seems to be alluding to because the statement she made sounds like it is based on some conviction.”

Questions have been raised by some political commentators regarding the independence of Merhair and her fellow Independent Senator Michael Annisette who voted along with the 15 Government Senators in support of the Municipal Corporations (Amendment) Bill, 2009, that will extend the terms of office of those in charge of the nation's 14 municipal corporations for yet another year