INDEPENDENT unionist John McCallister has welcomed Stormont's support for his opposition bill.
The South Down MLA's private members bill was passed by 63 votes to 25 on Monday night. It will now go to Westminster to receive royal assent before passing into law.
Mr McCallister's Assembly and Executive Reform (Assembly Opposition ) Bill means Stormont now has the capacity for an opposition, if a party chooses to form one.
The former Ulster Unionist deputy leader described Monday night's vote as a "historic moment for democracy".
"With additional speaking rights, the right to chair the Public Accounts Committee and additional financial assistance, it can no longer be said that there is no such place as opposition," he said.
"This is hugely significant and a great example of what independent MLAs with clear vision and determination can achieve."
Mr McCallister said voters could go to the polls on May 5 "knowing that their vote really does count".
"An opposition would provide scrutiny and an alternative – forcing the executive parties to focus more on good governance and outcomes," he said.
"In Northern Ireland we need genuine cross community power sharing, not shared out power and ministerial fiefdoms."
The independent unionist thanked Stormont's parties for "actively engaging" with him.
"Although Sinn Féin voted against the bill, they were up front with me about it and engaged productively in the process," he said.
"The SDLP was understandably cautious, but I think took a courageous and progressive step in supporting an amended bill."
Mr McCallister said he would have liked the legislation to have included reform of how the Executive functions, the introduction collective cabinet responsibility and the removal community designations and petitions of concern.
