Rules Of Procedure

Rules of Procedure

Greetings Delegates!

It gives us immense pleasure and honour to welcome you as well informed delegates to the Inter School Bal Bharati Model United Nations on 12 May 2016.

We are honoured to receive best wishes for the conference from Mrs. Kiran Mehra Kerpelman, Director United Nations Information Centre for India and Bhutan in which she has expressed the youth of today to evolve innovative ideas and suggestions. 

Kindly acknowledge the basic instructions for BBPS DW MUN 2016

1. The registration will begin at sharp 7:30 am.
2. No electronic devices except for laptop are allowed.
3. Usage of Internet is not allowed .
4. Dress code: Western Formals. 
5. No charging points for laptops will be provided.

We wish you all the best for the conference and look forward to an exciting session filled with simulating debates and discussions. 

With Warm Regards, 
BBPSMUN SOCIETY

I. INTRODUCTORY REMARKS

RULE 1: SCOPE

The rules included in this guide are applicable to all committees. Each rule is self-sufficient unless modified by the Secretariat, in which case, the modification will be deemed adopted before the first session begins. No other rules of procedure apply. If a situation arises which has not been addressed by the Rules of Procedure, the Committee Chairperson (Chair) or President will be the final authority to decide.

RULE 2: LANGUAGE

English will be the official and working language of the conference.

RULE 3: DELEGATIONS

 Each member state will be represented by one delegate and shall have one vote on each committee. Representatives of accredited observers will have the same rights as those of full member states, except that they may not sign or vote on resolutions or amendments. The Secretary-General will provide a list of member states and accredited observers for each committee. The permanent members of the Security Council shall be granted their special powers (veto) during the voting process.

RULE 4: DECORUM

Delegates are to conduct themselves as diplomats at all times and shall show courtesy to other Delegates, the Secretariat, Executive Board and Conference Staff of the venue. The Chair will immediately call to order any delegate who fails to comply with this rule. The Secretary-General may expel any delegate for failing to adhere to this rule.

RULE 5: ATTENDANCE

At the beginning of the opening session and other sessions, at the discretion of the Executive Board, the Rapporteur will call on Member States and Non-Members in English alphabetical order to state their attendance. Members will reply ‘present’ or ‘present and voting’, where ‘present and voting’ means that the Member State cannot abstain on the substantive vote.

RULE 6: QUORUM

Quorum denotes the minimum number of delegates who need to be present in order to open debate. A majority of the expected members (one third of the total plus one) of a committee shall be present for committee session to be opened. Regardless of quorum, the Chair may open any meeting and commence with its proceedings at his/her discretion. A quorum is required to have a substantive vote, i.e. to vote on a resolution and/or amendment.

RULE 7: GENERAL POWERS OF THE EXECUTIVE BOARD

The Executive Board consists of the Chairperson (or President), Director (or Vice President) and Rapporteur. Committee session will be announced open and closed by the Chair who may also propose the adoption of any procedural motion to which there is no significant objection.

The Chair, subject to these rules, will have complete control of the proceedings at any meeting and will direct the flow of debate, grant the right to speak, ask questions, announce decisions, rule on points, and ensure and enforce the adherence to these rules. If necessary and given no objections, the Chair may choose to suspend the rules in order to clarify a certain substantive or procedural issue. All procedural matters in committee are subject to the discretion of the Chair.

The Chair can also choose to temporarily transfer his or her duties to another member of the Executive Board. Executive Board members may also advise delegations on the possible course of debate.

In the exercise of these functions, the Executive Board will be at all times subject to these rules and responsible to the Secretary-General.

RULE 8: ELECTRONIC DEVICES

ELECTRONIC GADGETS ARE ALLOWED

RULE 9: AGENDA

The Secretariat shall communicate the agenda to the delegates before the conference.

RULE 10: REVISION OF THE AGENDA

Additional items of important and urgent nature may be placed on the agenda during any regular session by the Secretary General, who may do so at his/her discretion.

II. MOTIONS

A motion is used in committee when a delegate wants to have an action passed that affects the entire committee. Like the name suggests, “motion,” as in “moving,” means that you are “moving” towards an action (this may help you remember).

RULE 11: Motion to set agenda

·         Context: A motion to set the agenda will be made and the delegate making the motion will state the topic area to be debated first. This motion requires a second. Once the motion has been made, a provisional speakers list shall be established with two delegates speaking for and two delegates speaking against the motion. After the provisional speakers list is exhausted the committee shall move into an immediate vote a simple majority is required for the motion to pass.

·         When: A motion to set the agenda is in order as the first motion during the opening session.

·         Comment: Since at BBPS MUN most committees have only one agenda there would be requirement for a provisional speakers list and it will be simply be voted upon.

RULE 12: Motion to Open the Speakers List

• Context: This motion is used when a delegate wants to start a new speakers list; the chair will then call on delegates who want to be added to the list.

• When: This is used at the beginning of the conference when a speakers list has to be opened to set the agenda; it is also used to create a new speakers list after the agenda has been set (and for every new topic up for discussion thereafter).

RULE 13: Motion to set speakers time 

·         Context: The Chair may limit the time allotted to each speaker. However, delegates can motion to increase or decrease the speaking time, which will be voted upon by the committee or council.

·         When: Before the general speaker’s list or the provisional speaker’s list begins.

·         Comments: When a delegate exceeds his/her allotted time, the Chair may call the speaker to order without delay. However, the Chair has the discretion to be flexible (within reason) about the time limit to allow a delegate to finish his or her thought in order to account for the varying fluency of English among conference attendees.

RULE 14: Motion for a Moderated Caucus

• Context: This motion is employed when one wants to start a moderated caucus.The purpose of the moderated caucus is to facilitate substantive debate at critical junctures in the discussion. A motion for a moderated caucus is in order at any time when the floor is open, prior to closure of debate. The delegate making the motion must briefly specify a topic, a speaking time, and an overall time limit, not to exceed twenty minutes, for the caucus. Once raised, the motion will be voted on immediately, with a simple majority required for passage.

• When: A moderated caucus can be called for anytime during organized debate (when the chair asks if there are any points or motions on the floor), or after a previous caucus is finished.

• Comment: When a delegate calls for a moderated caucus, they also must specify the length of the caucus, the length of each speaking time, and the purpose of the caucus; for example “motion for a ten minute moderated caucus with a thirty second speaking time for the purpose of discussing education within the field of child labor.”

RULE 15: Motion for an Unmoderated Caucus

• Context: This motion is utilized when one wants to start an unmoderated caucus. An unmoderated caucus temporarily suspends formal debate and allows members to discuss ideas informally in the committee room. A motion for an unmoderated caucus is in order at any time when the floor is open, prior to closure of debate. The delegate making the motion must briefly explain the purpose of the motion and specify a time limit for the caucus, not to exceed twenty minutes

• When: An unmoderated caucus can be called for anytime during organized debate (when the chair asks if there are any points or motions on the floor), or after a previous caucus is finished.

• Comment: When a delegate calls for an unmoderated caucus, they also must specify the length of the caucus. The motion will be put to a vote immediately, and a simple majority is required for passage. The Chair may rule the motion dilatory and his or her decision is not subject to appeal.

RULE 16: Motion for a Right of Reply (On Chair’s Discretion)

• Context: If a member of the committee makes a personal attack on another delegate, then the offended delegate is permitted to reply to the delegate. However, if an attack is made on a delegate’s position, the delegate does not receive a right of reply, meaning “Country A is stupid…” would deserve a right of reply, while, “Country B’s idea of satellites is idiotic…” does not deserve a right of reply.

• When: A right of reply is requested directly after the personal attack is made

• Comment: The chair makes the ultimate ruling as to whether or not the delegate in question deserves a right of reply. At BBPS MUN, all rights of reply must be submitted to the chair in writing.

RULE 17: Motion to Table the Debate

• Context: This motion is used if a delegate wishes to immediately end debate on a topic and move to the next item on the agenda; if this motion is employed, then there will be no vote on the topic or any resolutions introduced on the topic; there will be two speakers for and two speakers against this motion.

• When: The motion can be used during moderated caucus. At BBPS MUN, all motions to table debate must be submitted to the chair in writing.

RULE 18: Motion to Close Debate and Move into Voting Procedure

• Context: This motion is used if a delegate wants to end debate on a topic and move into voting procedure; there will be two speakers against this motion.

• When: This motion can be used any time (but it will not be taken seriously unless an ample amount of debate on the issue has occurred).

RULE 19: Motion for a Roll Call Vote

• Context: During voting procedure, as oppose to raising one’s placard to vote, a delegate can motion for a roll call vote, which means that each country will be called on individually to cast its vote.

• When: The motion is used during voting procedure and automatically adopted, with the chair’s approval.

• Comment: The ways one can vote during a roll call vote are yes, no, yes with rights, no with rights, abstain, and pass. If a delegate votes yes, it means he/she is in favor of the resolution. If a delegate votes no, it means the delegate is against the resolution. If a delegate abstains, it means he/she does not wish to cast a vote on the resolution. If a delegate votes yes/no with rights, it means the delegate wishes to explain his/her vote. The delegate, upon completion of the roll call vote, will receive a thirty second speech. If a delegate votes yes/no with rights it usually means that the delegate would like to explain why he/she is voting against their country’s position or against what the country was arguing for during debate. If a delegate passes, it means that the delegate is unsure of how to vote, and will be called upon at the end of the roll call vote. Please note that if a delegate passes, he/she cannot vote with rights.

RULE 20: Motion to Divide the Question (On Chair’s Discretion)

• Context: This motion is used if a delegate wishes to divide out a portion (certain clauses) of a resolution; each portion of the resolution will then be voted on separately. This requires two speakers for and two speakers against the motion to divide, not the individual divisions.

• When: This motion is used during voting procedure.

• Comment: A delegate would use this motion if he/she agrees with the majority of a resolution but cannot or will not vote for it because of a certain clause.

RULE 21: Motion for suspension or adjournment of meeting

• Context: During the discussion of any matter, a delegate may move for the suspension or adjournment of the meeting. The Chair may rule such motions out of order. When in order, such a motion shall not be debated but shall be immediately put to a vote and requires simple majority to pass.

• When: The suspension of the meeting means the postponement of all Committee functions until the next meeting. This motion is most commonly made to end committee session for purpose of lunch or any break.

The adjournment of the meeting means the postponement of all Committee functions for the conference. This motion is most commonly made to end the final meeting of the conference.

III. POINTS

In general, points are a way to ask a question in committee, or bring something of non-substantive importance to the committee’s attention.

RULE 22: Point of Parliamentary Inquiry

• Context: This point is used when a delegate is unsure of or wants a clarification of a rule or committee procedure; it can also be used if a delegate has a non-substantive question (such as “point of parliamentary inquiry, would it be in order to start handing in working papers at this time?”).

• When: This point can be used any time when the chair is taking points from the floor.

RULE 23: Point of Personal Privilege

• Context: This point is used when a delegate’s ability to participate in committee is impaired. For example, one could use this point if it is difficult to hear the speaker or it is very cold in the room.

• When: This point can be used anytime, even during another delegates’ speech.

• Comment: Using too many points of personal privilege can be unproductive to the committee, so use them very sparingly and only if the issue is truly impairing your ability to delegate, not just if it is a touch hot. Also, avoid raising appoint of personal privilege during a person’s speech as it would be rude to the other person.

RULE 24: Point of Information

• Context: This is used when a delegate has a substantive question for a speaker during formal debate.

• When: This point is used when a delegate yields his/ her time to information after his/her speech. This point can also be used any time the chair says that questions are in order.

RULE 25: Point of Order

• Context: A delegate can raise a point of order when there is a violation of the rules of procedure or a factual error has been committed by a delegate. The chair will decide whether there is a violation immediately, and if there is, then the violation is corrected or stopped.

• When: This point can be used anytime, including during another delegates’ speech

• Comment: A point of order is a very serious procedural matter, especially since it has the power to interrupt other committee proceedings. Therefore, it should be used in a responsible manner. If a delegate is not sure if a rule has been broken or an error has been made, it could be prudent for the delegate to rephrase the question at a more appropriate moment in the form of a point of parliamentary inquiry.

IV. YIELDS

RULE 26: Yield to the Chair

• Context: After the completion of a speaker’s list speech, a delegate may yield to the chair. This means that the chair will absorb the time remaining in the speech (meaning nothing will happen with any time remaining).

• When: After a speech on the speakers list.

RULE 27: Yield to point of information

• Context: After the completion of a speaker’s list speech, a delegate may yield to questions. This means that with the remaining time, the chair will call upon other delegates to ask the delegate giving the speech questions that must pertain to the speech that was just given.

• When: After a speech on the speakers list.

• Comment: The time taken for a delegate to ask the question will not be counted towards the time remaining in the speech.

RULE 28: Yield to another Delegate

• Context: After the completion of a speaker’s list speech, a delegate may yield to another delegate. This means that with the time remaining in the speech, another delegate will be able to elaborate on the ideas that the first delegate presented; the second speaker may not talk about a topic the first speaker did not mention. Please note that only one yield may be made per speaker on the speakers list.

• When: A delegate yields to another delegate after a speech on the speakers list.

• Comment: If the speaker intends on yielding to another delegate, he/she should be sure that the delegate yielded to will support his/her ideas. Also, the time once yielded cannot be yielded any further.

RULE 29: Comments (No Yield Required)

• Context: If a delegate fails to yield after a speakers list speech, then 2 thirty-second comments are in order. If a speaker fails to yield, a delegate can motion to comment. These comments can be made by any delegate in the committee (the chair will choose 2 delegates who wish to speak). Please note that the comment must pertain to the original speech.

• When: Comments are warranted after a speech on the speakers list.

V. RESOLUTIONS

RULE 30: WORKING PAPERS

Delegates may propose working papers for Committee consideration. Working papers are intended to aid the Committee in its discussion and formulation of draft resolutions and need not be written in resolution format.

Working papers are not official documents and may be presented in any format approved by the Director, but do require the signature of the Director to be copied and distributed.

Once distributed, delegates may consider that working paper introduced and begin to refer to that working paper by its designated number. Working papers do not require signatories or votes of approval.

RULE 31: SPONSORS AND SIGNATORIES

 Sponsors of a draft resolution are the principal authors of the document and agree with its substance. Although it is possible to have only one sponsor, this rarely occurs at the UN, since countries must work together to create widely agreeable language in order for the draft resolution to pass. Sponsors in effect control a draft resolution and only they can approve immediate changes. The upper limit on the number of sponsors is on the discretion of the Chair.

Signatories are countries that may or may not agree with the substance of the draft resolution but still wish to see it debated so that they can propose amendments.

RULE 32: DRAFT RESOLUTION

A draft resolution may be introduced when it receives the approval of the Director and is signed by 20% of countries present in Committee.

Signing a resolution need not indicate support of the resolution, and the signatory has no further rights or obligations and may sign more than one draft resolution.

The Director’s decision not to sign a resolution or amendment may not be appealed. Resolutions require a simple majority to pass unless otherwise stated in specific Committee rules. More than one resolution may be on the floor at any one time, but at most one resolution may be passed per Topic Area.

RULE 33: INTRODUCING DRAFT RESOLUTIONS

 Once a resolution has been approved as stipulated above and has been and distributed, a delegate may make a motion to introduce the resolution. This motion requires only authorization by the Moderator and does not require a substantive vote. The dais staff, time permitting, may choose to read the operative clauses of the resolution. Immediately after a draft resolution has been introduced and distributed, the Moderator may entertain non-substantive clarificatory points, typically used to address typographical, spelling, or punctuation errors. A resolution will remain on the floor until debate is postponed or a resolution on that Topic Area has been passed.

RULE 34: REORDERING DRAFT RESOLUTIONS (ON CHAIR’S DISCRETION) 

A Motion to Reorder Draft Resolutions will only be in order immediately after entering voting procedure, and before voting has started on any draft resolutions. If the motion receives the simple majority required to pass, the Chair will take all motions to reorder draft resolutions then vote on them in the order in which they came. Voting will continue until either a motion passes, receiving a simple majority, or all of the motions fail, in which case the committee will move into voting procedure, voting on the draft resolutions in their original order. Only one motion to reorder draft resolutions is in order in each round of voting procedures.

RULE 35: AMENDMENTS (ON CHAIR’S DISCRETION)

An amendment is a proposal that adds to, deletes from or revises part of a draft resolution.

Delegates may amend any draft resolution that has been introduced. Both friendly and unfriendly amendments require the approval of the Chair. An amendment is considered friendly if all sponsors of the initial draft resolution are in support of the amendment. Such an amendment is adopted automatically. An unfriendly amendment is a change that some or all of the draft resolution’s sponsors do not support and must be voted upon by the committee. Amendments to amendments are out of order.

VI. VOTING

RULE 34: PROCEDURAL VOTING

Voting on any matter other than draft resolutions and amendments is considered procedural. Each and every member of the committee, including Observers must vote all procedural motions, no abstentions will be allowed. A simple majority shall be considered achieved when there are more “Yes” votes than “No” votes. A two thirds vote will require at least twice as many “Yes” votes than “No” votes. If there is not the required number of speakers’ for or against a motion, the motion will automatically fail or pass.

RULE 35: SUBSTANTIVE VOTING

The only substantive voting will be voting on draft resolutions and amendments.

After debate has been closed on the general topic area, the committee will move into

Substantive voting procedures and the chambers are then sealed.

At that point, only the following points and motions will be entertained: Division of the

Question, Reordering Draft Resolutions, Motion for a Roll Call Vote, Point of Personal Privilege, Point of Inquiry and Point of Order.

If there are no such motions, the committee will vote on all draft resolutions. For substantive voting, each member state will have one vote. Each vote maybe a ‘Yes,’ ‘No,’ or ‘Abstain.’ Members who abstain from voting are considered as not voting. All matters will be voted upon using placards by default, except if a motion for a roll call vote is accepted. A simple majority requires ‘Yes’ voted from more than half of the Members voting (i.e. more affirmative votes than negative votes).

Once any resolution has been passed, the voting procedure is closed, as only one resolution may be passed in a topic area.