Margaret Dongo, an independent politician, has launched a party, the Zimbabwe Union of Democrats.

ECONOMIST: Apparitions in Zimbabwe

The new 35-member cabinet will be headed by independent politician Mohammed Basindwa, Yemen's state news agency Saba said.

BBC: Yemen: New unity government created

For all his fine words, Mr Medvedev is not an independent politician.

ECONOMIST: Russian modernisation

If the whip is withdrawn from an AM or MP, for example, it leaves them isolated and effectively makes them an independent politician.

BBC: Leanne Wood silent on Plaid Cymru rebel Elis-Thomas

It suggests that Mr Bush really can, as he claims, show leadership, by persuading an independent politician, with a mind of his own, to choose to run with him.

ECONOMIST: Be my number two

Madeleine Brand talks with San Francisco politician Matt Gonzalez about why he agreed to share the independent ticket.

NPR: Why Did Gonzalez Join Nader's Ticket?

Independent mayor Lynne Apedaile said the authority had never held a silence for a national politician.

BBC: Stockton Tories boycott meeting over Thatcher snub

Both the Socialists and the right say they would help small businesses, spend more on education, promote women in politics, limit the number of elected and executive posts a politician may hold, control health spending, and make the judiciary more independent.

ECONOMIST: France

Mr King himself got elected governor as an independent twice in the 1990s, following a trail blazed by another businessman-turned-politician in the 1970s.

ECONOMIST: Lexington