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Rules of Procedure
Rules Governing the Conference Proceeding
I -The Secretariat
Rule 1: Composition
The Secretary General and his deputies in their capacity of Director-Generals, the Conference
Manager and the Administrative Staff are all collectively to be referred to as the ‘Secretariat’.
Rule 2: Duties
The Secretariat shall receive, print and distribute reports, resolutions and other related
documentation of the MUN Committees, hereby referred to as the ‘Committees’. It should
facilitate the proceedings with the provision of material and staff upon request of Member
States and generally perform all administrative work which the Committees may require.
Rule 3: Authority and Competences of the Secretary General
1.
The Secretary General or any member of the Secretariat designated by him may make
oral statements in front of the Committees at any time it may be required.
2.
The interpretation of the Rules of Procedure is at the discretion of the Secretary General
and any deviations must be approved by him or a designated member of the
Secretariat. The interpretation of the Rules of Procedure shall be in accordance with the
provisions and the spirit of the Charter of the United Nations.
3.
In his performance of duties the Secretary-General shall not seek or receive instructions
from any person or from any other authority external to the Secretariat.
Rule 4: Authority and Competence of the Conference Manager
The Conference Manager shall ensure an unproblematic operation of the conference
proceedings and conduct oversight of the work of the Administrative Staff. He or she shall
conduct relevant coordination work jointly with the Secretary General.
Rule 5: Authority and Competences of the Committee Chairpersons
1.
In exercise of their functions, the Chairpersons are directly accountable to their
respective Committee and they shall conduct their work in observance of the Rules of
Procedure. The Chairpersons shall have complete authority during the regular meetings
and maintain procedural order during the proceedings of their Committee.
2.
In addition to the powers conferred to them elsewhere in the Rules of Procedure, they
shall guide the work of their respective Committee, direct the discussions towards
consensus, mediate between Member States in case of conflict and ensure the general
observance of the Rules of Procedure. They may rule out motions that they judge as
non-constructive to the course of debate.
3.
This rule applies equally, and without discrimination, to the Chairpersons of the
Specialized Committees within their respective roles.
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Rule 5a: Authority and Competences of the Legal Service
1.
The Head of the Legal Service and his staff are tasked with ensuring every document of
MUN is coherent with existing conventions and principles of international law and to
that purpose will be submitted every draft resolution before it is introduced to the
committee.
2.
After the review of the document, a member of the Legal Service staff shall advise the
sponsors of the draft document on changes necessary to achieve coherence with
international law. This shall also entail matters of committee competence relating to the
substance of the draft resolution .
3.
The legal service shall only have authority to provide counsel concerning the substance
of any document drawn up in committee and holds no legitimization to amend or adapt
acts without the sponsors consent nor will the office attempt this.
II – General Rules
Rule 6: Language
The official and working language of MUN shall be English. Delegates wishing to make an oral
statement or submit a document in their own language shall make available to the respective
Committee an appropriate number of hard copy translation in English.
Rule 7: Courtesy
Delegates shall at all times show courtesy to other delegates, members of the Secretariat
and other MUN staff. Disregarding this rule may lead to a withdrawal of voting rights within
the Committee or reprehension by the Chairperson or by the committee.
Rule 8: Address
Delegates shall address their Committee and the General Assembly in standing after being
given the right to speak by the Chairperson or the Secretariat respectively.
Rule 9: Dress-code
Delegates shall wear during all formal proceedings official business attire. Delegates may also
wear traditional cloth as reflected in the cultural tradition of their country or nation.
Non-compliance of this rule may be sanctioned by the Chairperson. Clothing showing national
flags, coats of arms or other national symbols are excluded from this rule and thus not
accepted at MUN.
Rule 9a: National and Political Symbols
Whilst on the premises or in facilities of official business, no delegate shall exhibit symbols of a
national or political character other than those described in Rule 9. The arbitration on this issue
rests with the Chairperson of the respective committee.
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Rule 10: Participation of Observers / NGOs
1.
Representatives of accredited observers and NGOs shall be given the opportunity to
participate in the proceedings of any committee in open session. Should an Observer
desire to attend a closed session, he or she shall make a written “request for
participation” to the Chairperson of the respective Committee. Granting the right to
attend a closed session is at the discretion of the Chairperson.
2.
In Committees in open session, observers have the same rights as full members and
may vote on any procedural motions or points. They, however, are not allowed to sign
or vote on resolutions or amendments
Rule 11: Participation of Journalists
1.
Accredited journalists are given permission to attend proceedings of any Committee
they wish, provided that the respective Committee is in open session. Journalists are
not allowed in Committees in closed session. They shall have the opportunity to hold a
press conference upon the end of the proceedings of a Committee in closed session.
2.
Journalists may interview national delegates at the personal discretion of the latter.
3.
Journalists shall have the opportunity to publish a daily newspaper.
Rule 12: Notepaper
1.
External notepaper-passing to other Committees is not allowed except if it is addressed
to the Ambassador of the relevant country. In each committee notepaper shall be
screened for compliance with courtesy rules and passed over to the addressed
delegates by the Administrative Staff.
2.
Delegations are encouraged to produce country specific notepaper with relevant
symbols. The Secretariat shall provide additional notepaper and amendment sheets for
the purpose of the proceedings.
Rule 13: Plagiarism
Plagiarism of resolutions and working papers is outlawed at MUN and if detected it may lead to
the exclusion of the document from the discussion at the discretion of the Chairperson or the
Legal Service.
Rule 14: Use of Electronic Devices
All electronic devices that are not contributory to debate or the progress of the committee on
the topic or serve primarily an entertainment function (Mobile Phones, MP3 Player etc.) are
to be switched off during formal session. The use of portable computers is acceptable only
when the committee is suspended for an unmoderated caucus or is otherwise not engaged in
session.
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Rule 15: Public Openness
All forums held in open session are open to the general public.
Rule 16: Closed Sessions
1.
With the approval of the Secretariat, the Chairperson or the Secretary General may
declare at any time a committee session as a closed session. During closed sessions all
observers, NGOs and journalists have to leave the room. Only the Secretary General and
the Chairperson may open a committee session to public again.
2.
When the committee enters voting on draft resolutions the session is automatically
entering a closed session.
III – Chronology of Sessions
Rule 17: General Assembly
1.
The General Assembly shall be convened once. It shall be held at the end of the
conference upon the completion of the Committees.
2.
During the closing session of the General Assembly, the Chairpersons of each
Committee shall present the internally adopted outcome documents of their
Committees’ sessions. These documents will be owned by the respective Committee
and they shall be presented to a final vote at the General Assembly. Prior to the vote,
countries shall have the possibility to speak in favor or against the proposed documents.
The Secretary General shall in his capacity decide on the allocation of speakers’ time,
the opportunity to reply and the general voting procedure during the closing session.
3.
The Secretary General shall conduct his or her work in accordance with the Rules of
Procedure.
4.
Sections 1 through 3 of this rule shall only apply if the general schedule of MUN
foresees the convening of a General Assembly.
Rule 18: Committees
1.
Each Committee shall have regular sessions of no longer than four hours each, every
day of the conference. The Committees shall commence their work upon the end of the
opening session. They shall finalize their work prior to the closing session of the General
Assembly.
2.
The Chairpersons of each committee shall conduct their work in accordance with the
Rules of Procedure.
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IV – Agenda Setting
Rule 19: Publication of Topics & Study guides
The agenda for each Committee shall be published at least 12 weeks prior to the
conference. The study guides on every topic on the agenda shall be published at least 4
weeks prior to the conference. Excluded from Rule 19 is the Security Council.
Rule 20: Attendance & Quorum
1.
At the beginning of every session, Chairpersons shall call in English alphabetical order on
Member States to state their status of attendance. Member States shall reply “present”
or “present and voting”; where Member States state “present and voting”, they shall
have no right to “abstain” during a substantive vote. Delegates not present during the
initial role call shall upon assuming attendance submit a note to the Chairperson stating
their status.
2.
A simple majority of the Member States “present” or “present and voting” at the
opening session of the Committee make up the quorum for any decision or substantive
motion to be taken. At least one third of the delegates “present” or “present and
voting” is necessary for the Chairperson to declare a session open for a debate to
proceed. A quorum will be assumed to be present by the Chairperson unless seen
otherwise by the delegates who may challenge the presence of the quorum by role call
through a “motion to challenge the quorum”. This motion does not require a second
and the Chairperson shall entertain it upon the request of at least one delegate.
3.
The status shall remain valid until the next roll call is conducted.
Rule 21: Silent Prayer or Minute of Silence
Delegates wishing to hold a minute of silence or a silent prayer may do so immediately
after the opening of the first session of their Committee. They shall submit prior to the
session a written request to the respective Chairperson. Entertaining a minute of
silence and silent prayer is at the discretion of the Chairperson and not open to appeal.
Rule 22: Setting the Agenda
1.
The consideration of the Agenda is the first item in the running order of the Committee.
Setting a topic to be debated requires a “motion to set the agenda”. The motion
requires a “second” for it to be considered. If there is no “objection” to the motion it
shall be deemed unopposed and thus adopted.
2.
In case of an “objection” to the motion, a speakers’ list shall be opened with no more
than two speakers speaking in favor and two against the motion (in case that one
speaker opposes the motion only the speaker entertaining the motion should speak in
favor).
3.
After the Committee has heard all the speakers, debate on the setting of the agenda
shall be considered as closed.
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4.
Upon the closure of debate an immediate vote on the “motion to set the agenda” shall
be entertained with a simple majority of Member States “present” or “present and
voting” required for the motion on the topic to pass. Should the motion fail, the
Committee will move directly to consider the remaining item on the agenda.
5.
Since the votes in this rule are procedural in nature, observers and NGOs shall have the
right to vote on the motions during agenda setting. There shall be no abstentions from
any delegate.
V – Formal Debate
Rule 23: General Debate
After the decision on the agenda item to be debated, a continuously open speakers list shall be
opened on the basis of a “motion to open a speaker’s list” for the purpose of general debate on
the item. Speakers may speak generally about the item being considered and address any
working paper or document that is introduced. The list shall be followed for the entirety of
general debate on the agenda item. When the speakers list is followed the floor shall be
considered as open, meaning that the general debate may be superseded by procedural
motions (e.g. “motion to enter moderated caucus”, “motion to introduce a resolution” etc.) or a
debate on amendments. The speakers list will not be followed after a “motion to close debate”
is passed.
Rule 24: Unmoderated Caucus (Informal Caucus)
1.
When the floor is open it is in order for delegates to entertain a “motion to enter
unmoderated caucus”, prior to a closure of debate. The purpose of an unmoderated
caucus is amongst others to facilitate among delegates agreements on hard issues,
discuss resolutions and amendments and enhance the convergence of general interests
on the agenda item.
2.
Delegates wishing to entertain the motion should state its purpose (necessity) and
suggest a reasonable time-limit of not more than sixty minutes in order not to disrupt
the proper working of the committee. The motion requires a second and shall be
considered as adopted immediately, unless at least one member raises an “objection”.
The Chairperson may rule the motion out of order and his decision is not subject to
appeal.
3.
Should there be an objection, the Chairperson shall immediately put the motion to a
vote with a simple majority of Member States “present” or “present and voting”
required for it to pass.
4.
Should the time not suffice to come to critical agreements a subsequent “motion to
enter unmoderated caucus” is in order when the committee has come to order and the
floor is again open. The decision to grant the subsequent motion is at the discretion of
the Chairperson.
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5.
Since the votes in this rule are procedural in nature, observers and NGOs shall have the
right to vote. There shall be no abstentions from any delegate.
Rule 25: Moderated Caucus (Thematic Debate)
1.
When the floor is open it is in order for delegates to entertain a “motion to enter
moderated caucus”, prior to a closure of debate. The purpose of a moderated caucus is
amongst others to entertain a thematic debate on specific aspects of the agenda item
and facilitate an agreement on critical junctures during the discussion. In a moderated
caucus, the Chairperson will temporarily depart from the general speakers’ list and call
on delegates to hold individual thematic speeches on certain aspects of the agenda
item.
2.
Delegates wishing to entertain the motion should state its purpose (necessity) and
suggest a reasonable time-limit of not more than twenty minutes. Also, they shall
subsequently suggest a time limit for individual thematic speeches during the caucus.
The motion requires a second and shall be considered adopted immediately, unless
there is an “objection” by at least one Member State.
3.
In case of an “objection”, the motion will be immediately put to a vote with a simple
majority of Member States “present” or “present and voting” required for it to pass. The
Chairperson may rule the motion out and his or her decision is not subject to appeal. He
or she may also suggest a different time limit concerning the duration of the caucus or
an individual speech in order to facilitate the work of the committee.
4.
Should the time not suffice to come to critical agreements during a moderated caucus a
subsequent “motion to enter moderated caucus” is in order when the committee has
come to order and the floor is again open. The decision to grant the subsequent motion
is at the discretion of the Chairperson.
Rule 26: Consultation of the Whole
1.
When the floor is open delegates may move to “motion for a Consultation of the
Whole”. The purpose of a Consultation of the Whole is amongst others to find
consensus if the body is struggling in finding a common ground or delegates do not
interact with each other in formal debate. During a Consultation of the Whole the Rules
of Procedure are suspended and delegates moderate the debate instead of the
Chairpersons.
2.
Delegates wishing to entertain the motion should state its purpose (necessity) and
suggest a reasonable time-limit of not more than twenty minutes in order not to disrupt
the proper working of the committee. The motion requires a second and shall be
considered as adopted immediately, unless at least one member raises an “objection”.
The Chairperson may rule the motion out of order and his decision is not subject to
appeal.
3.
In case of an “objection”, the motion will be immediately put to a vote with a simple
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majority of Member States “present” or “present and voting” required for it to pass. The
Chairpersons may also suggest a different time limit concerning the duration of the
caucus or any other appropriate changes to the motion in order to facilitate the work of
the committee.
Rule 27: Closure of Debate
1.
Delegates may at any time when the floor is open “motion to close debate” on the
agenda item currently under discussion, both substantive and procedural. The motion
may be entertained without the general speakers’ list having to come to an end. Under
the condition that it is first seconded, not more than three delegates shall be accorded
the permission to speak against the motion after which it will be put directly to a vote.
Closure of debate requires the favor of a two-thirds majority “present” or “present and
voting”. Should the delegates vote in favor of the closure of debate, the Committee
shall then move to vote on all proposals introduced under the debate.
2.
Since the vote on a closure of debate is procedural in nature, observers and NGOs shall
have the right to vote. There shall be no abstentions from any delegate.
Rule 28: Suspension of the Meeting
During a debate on any subject delegates may “motion to suspend the meeting” and specify a
time for reconvening. This motion requires a “second” to be entertained and shall be
considered adopted, unless a Member State raises an “objection”. In case of an “objection” to
this motion, it shall not be debated but put immediately to a vote with a simple majority of
Member States “present” or “present and voting” required to pass.
Rule 29: Adjournment of Debate (Tabling)
1.
Delegates may at any time during the discussion of an agenda item “motion to adjourn
debate” on the agenda item with a necessary “second” for the motion to be considered.
This motion is mostly entertained when consensus on the agenda item can not be
reached or due to any other reasons preventing the adoption of a document on the
topic. Unless objected to, the motion shall be considered adopted immediately.
2.
In case of an “objection” to the motion not more than two speakers against and two
speakers in favor of the closure of debate shall speak. After the delegates have spoken a
vote on the closure of debate shall be taken with a two thirds majority required for the
motion to pass.
3.
If passed, the motion will end debate on the agenda item without adopting anything.
The plenary will then move directly to consider the next topic on the agenda.
Rule 30: Resumption of Debate on the Agenda Item
An agenda item on which debate has been adjourned can be reopened again for discussion
only by delegates who voted previously in favor of adjourning debate on the item. The “motion
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to resume debate” on the particular item has to be seconded by at least one delegate. If there
is no “objection” heard, the motion shall be considered as adopted by acclamation. Where at
least one delegate raises an “objection”, the motion is subject to debate by not more than two
speakers in favor and against upon which a two-thirds majority of the members “present” and
“present and voting” is required for the motion to pass.
Rule 31: Adjournment of the Meeting
1.
During a debate on any subject delegates may “motion to adjourn the meeting” and
specify a time for reconvening. This motion require a second and shall be considered
adopted by acclamation, unless at least one delegate raises an “objection”. Where
delegates do so, the motion shall not be debated but put immediately to a vote with a
simple majority of Member States “present” or “present and voting” required to pass.
2.
If passed this motion would end the work of the Committee altogether for the present
year and reconvene again in the upcoming MaMUN session. The Chairperson will call
this motion in order only at the last session of the Committee.
VI -Speech
Rule 32: Request for the Floor
1.
Delegates may address the plenary only with the permission of the Chairperson.
Delegates shall make a request for the floor by raising the placard and only if no other
delegate already speaks. After obtaining the permission, delegates shall address the
plenary in standing and remain in that position when receiving questions.
2.
Delegates, whose remarks are not relevant to the subject of the discussion, are
personally offensive to other delegates or the members of the Secretariat or infringe
upon the sovereignty of other Member States, may be called to order at the discretion
of the Chairperson.
3.
Delegates shall address each other in third person only. No dialogues between
delegates are allowed during the plenary.
Rule 33: Time Limits
1. Setting the time limit of speeches allotted to every speaker is at the discretion of the
Chairperson. Delegates wishing to extend the time limit of speeches may “motion to set
the speaker’s time”. This motion requires a “second” and shall be considered adopted
by acclamation unless at least one delegate raises an “objection”.
2. Where a delegate raises an “objection” to the motion, it shall be subject to debate by
not more than one speaker in favor and one speaker against upon which voting shall be
conducted by a simple majority of states “present” or “present and voting”.
3. The minimum duration of a speech shall be fifteen seconds and keeping the speech
within the time-limit should be strictly abided by. The Chairperson may call a delegate
to order should the duration of the speech supersede the agreed time limit.
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Rule 34: Yields
Delegates in exercise of the right to speak shall upon the conclusion of their speech “yield the
floor” or the remaining time of their speech in one of the three ways:
1.
2.
3.
Yield to another delegate: Should the delegate finish the speech before the end of the
allotted time limit, he or she may yield the remaining time to another delegates. Several
yields during the same speech are out of order.
Yield to a point of information: Should the delegate be “open to a point of information”
the Chairperson may at his discretion allow not more then three delegates in the
plenary to ask the delegate holding a speech not more then one question each. The
Chairperson may at his or her discretion call to order any delegate whose questions are
rhetorical, offensive or in other ways not constructive.
Yield the floor to the Chair: Should the delegate not wish to answer questions or yield
the remaining time to another delegates he or she may yield the floor to the
Chairperson. Upon the yield, the Chairperson will move directly to the next speaker.
The Chairperson may at his or her discretion call to order any delegate whose speaking
time has expired and automatically move to the next speaker.
Rule 35: Right of Reply
Delegates whose national integrity and sovereignty have been offended by a speech of other
delegates may request a right of reply. The right of reply is a delegate’s option to state a
complaint about a possibly offensive or personally insulting diction or behavior in the speech of
a previous delegate. The Chairperson shall at his or her discretion set the time-limit of the right
of reply and his decision whether a right of reply is on order is not open to appeal. A right of
reply to a right of reply is out of order.
VII – Points
Rule 36: Point of Personal Privilege
By raising a “point of personal privilege” delegates may refer to a personal discomfort impairing
them from following in a proper manner the proceedings of the Committee and by doing so
request the Chairperson for the discomfort to be corrected. It is the only point that may
interrupt a speaker. However it should be used with utmost discretion.
Rule 37: Point of Parliamentary Inquiry
By raising a “point of parliamentary inquiry” delegates may, if relevant to their participation,
ask the Chairperson for a clarification of the Rules of Procedure. The point of parliamentary
inquiry may never interrupt a speaker.
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Rule 38: Point of Information to the Speaker
The “point of information to the speaker” gives delegates the opportunity to address in form of
a question the statement of the previous speaker. It may never interrupt a speaker.
Rule 39: Point of Order
By raising a “point of order” delegates may indicate an instance of an inappropriate application
of the Rules of Procedure by other delegates or the Chairperson. The Chairperson shall at his or
her discretion decide on the validity of the Point of Order and may rule out any points that are
improper. Delegates raising a point of order may not speak on the substance of a subject
matter but refer solely to the parliamentary procedure. The point of order may only interrupt a
speaker if he or she does not follow the parliamentary procedure.
Rule 40: Point of Information to the Chairperson
Delegates may raise a “point of information to the chairperson” should any of the above
mentioned points not refer to or explain an occurring question.
VIII – Substantive Issues
Rule 41: Working Papers
Delegates may propose and distribute working papers to the consideration of the Committee.
Working papers are not official documents and do not have to be written in resolution format.
Their purpose is to aid the Committee on substance and formulation of clauses for draft
resolutions. For the distribution of working papers only the approval of the Chairperson is
required and delegates are not required to collect signatures from other delegates. Working
papers that are intended to be introduced as draft resolutions can only be changed by the
sponsor before the respective document has been forwarded to the legal service for review.
After the document has been submitted to the legal services, changes will only be possible as
an amendment after its introduction as a draft resolution.
Rule 42: Draft Resolutions
1.
Delegates may introduce draft resolutions when they receive approval of the
Chairperson and are signed by at least one fifth (20%) of the Member States “present”
or “present and voting” at the opening session of the Committee. If the above
requirements are met, resolutions may be introduced only when the floor is open and
not during any caucus.
2.
Signing a resolution does not have to indicate support on the substance and the signer
will not face any further obligations (e.g. holding a speech in favor) The signer may
however wish to be recorded as a co-sponsor of the resolution.
3.
Upon the approval of the Chairperson and before the introduction in the committee
delegates shall request the Secretariat to prepare a sufficient number of copies for the
Committee’s consideration.
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Rule 43: Amendments (First order amendment)
1.
An amendment is a written proposal that does not more than add to, delete from or
revise part of the content of any draft resolution that has been introduced for the
Committee’s consideration. Delegates may introduce amendments to the consideration
by the Committee when they receive approval by the Chairperson, and are signed by at
least one eight (12.5%) of the Member States “present” or “present and voting” at the
opening session of the Committee. For the purpose of discussion and consideration of
amendments the Secretariat should make sure to make available early enough the
amendments in either electronic or written form to the members of the Committee.
2.
Where an amendment meets with the acceptance of every sponsor of the resolution it
refers to, it shall be considered a friendly amendment and be implemented in the
resolution without discussion or vote.
3.
Where such acceptance by the sponsors is denied, the amendment shall be debated
and voted upon by the committee before becoming part of the resolution.
Rule 44: Amendments to Amendments (Second order amendment)
1.
An amendment to the amendment is a written or oral proposal that does not more than
add to, delete from or revise part of the content of any amendment that has been
introduced for a revision of a draft resolution. The aim of an amendment to the
amendment is to facilitate consensus building within the Committee on a proposal by
formulating more accessible and balanced clauses and, thus, facilitate the adoption of
the overall outcome document on an agenda item. Higher order amendments are,
however, out of order. Second order amendments do not require signatories.
2.
A “motion to introduce an amendment to the amendment” shall not be debatable but
put to an immediate vote with a simple majority of all members “present” and “present
and voting” required for it to pass.
3.
Second order amendments must be inherently friendly towards the amendment to
which it refers.
Rule 45: Withdrawal of Proposals
Delegates may withdraw any procedural motion, amendment, amendment to the amendment
or draft resolution that they have introduced or proposed prior to entering the voting
procedure on the proposal. The only requirements for a withdrawal are that the proposal must
not be amended by any of the delegates in the Committee or already adopted by the
Committee as a whole. A withdrawn motion may be reintroduced again when the floor is open.
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IX – Voting
Rule 46: Attendance and Quorum
See Rule 20.
Rule 47: Consensus and Request for a Vote
1.
Delegates should strive during the entire period of work to reach a decision on draft
resolutions by consensus, not requiring a vote. The Chairperson shall closely follow the
deliberations of the committee and make the utmost effort to guide the committee to
this end. Delegates not seeing a possibility for reaching consensus or acting in
accordance with their national interest shall introduce a non-debatable “motion to
follow a vote”. The motion requires a “second” and shall be entertained without a vote
unless at least one delegate raises an “objection”. Upon passing the motion, the
committee shall vote on the proposal on which the motion to follow a vote was raised.
2.
If a “motion to follow a vote” is raised on a resolution it shall be out of order unless
debate on the agenda item which the resolution addresses has been closed by means of
a “motion to close debate” prior to the call for a vote.
3.
When the “motion to follow a vote” addresses an amendment it shall be in order at any
time the floor is open.
Rule 48: Substantive Votes
A vote is regarded as substantive when it refers to amendments, resolutions or parts of the
latter under the motion to divide the question. Voting rights on substantive votes have
non-observer Member States only.
Rule 49: Procedural Votes
A vote is regarded as procedural when it refers to an amendment to the amendment and all
remaining motions other than on amendments, draft resolutions or parts of the latter. Voting
rights on procedural votes have all members of the Committee, including observers and NGOs.
No abstentions are allowed on procedural votes.
Rule 50: Voting Procedure
1.
Each Member State has one equal vote. A vote may be either a “Yes”, “No” or
“Abstain”. Member States who have defined their status as “present and voting” may
cast only a negative or affirmative vote. They may not abstain. Member states who have
defined their status as “present” may abstain.
2.
3.
Votes on all matters are cast by a show of placards except when there is a “motion for a
roll call vote” upon which all delegates, following a decision of the Chairperson, shall in
English alphabetical order state their decisions separately. The motion will be
entertained at the discretion of the Chairperson.
Delegates absent from the voting procedure are not allowed to confer their vote to
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4.
other parties. The voting procedure may not be interrupted under any circumstances
except on a “point of personal privilege” or a “point of order” referring solely to the
voting procedure.
All draft resolutions are to be adopted by simple majority. To adopt a decision by a
simple majority vote only votes in favor or against are taken into account. A decision is
reached when at least 51 percent of the Member States “present” or “present and
voting” have voted in favor. Abstentions are equal to neutral votes. An equal number of
affirmative and opposing votes shall be deemed as a rejection of a proposal. To adopt a
decision by a two-thirds majority only votes in favor or against are taken into account. A
decision is reached when there are at least twice as many votes in favor then against.
Rule 51: Division of Question
1.
After debate on any resolution is closed by the Chairperson, delegates may move to
vote on operative clauses separately through a “motion to divide the question”.
Preambular and sub-operative clauses shall not be subject to a division of question. The
motion is mostly entertained if an unsolvable disagreement exists among Member
States on the general substance of a draft resolution that makes the document as a
whole not adoptable by the Committee.
2.
The “motion to divide the question” requires a second to be entertained and if there is
no objection it shall pass without a vote. In case of an “objection” to the motion not
more than two speakers against and two speakers in favor of the motion shall speak,
upon which a vote on the motion shall be taken with a simple majority of votes required
for the motion to pass.
3.
If passed, the motion to divide the question shall be entertained in such an order where
the operative clauses with the most substance (not the most words) will be voted upon
first and those with the least substance -last. The order of vote is at the discretion of the
Chairperson.
4.
The operative clauses adopted by the plenary shall be recombined into a new draft
resolution on which as a whole a separate substantive vote shall be taken. If all
operative clauses are rejected by the plenary, the proposal will be considered as
rejected as a whole.
Rule 52: Explanation of Vote
Delegates may make brief statements in an explanation of their vote after the voting procedure
on the draft resolution has been concluded. The purpose of an explanation of vote is to give
delegates an opportunity (clarification) to address the plenary on issues of national interest
that have or have not been addressed in the resolution in such a manner as it would reflect the
general position of the Member State in question on the outcome document as a whole. An
Explanation of Vote may only be allowed when the committee decided to proceed in a roll call
vote. Delegates wishing to entertain an Explanation of Vote must inform the Chairperson at the
moment they are casting their votes. The granting of the right to an explanation of vote and the
time allotted for such an explanation is at the discretion of the Chairperson.
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X – Rules common to several Chapters
Rule 53: Appeal
Any decision of the Chairperson shall be subject to a “motion to appeal the decision of the
chair” by any delegate except on matters where it is explicitly stated that a decision is not open
to appeal. The Chairperson has the right to speak in defense of his ruling. The appeal shall be
put to a vote by the Member States “present” or “present and voting” and the decision of the
Chairperson is overruled if a simple majority of states “present” or “present and voting” does
not approve of his or her decision.
Rule 54: Motion to invoke an Act of Censure
Where a delegate grossly violates the Code of Conduct or other standards of international
diplomacy, any delegate may introduce a “motion to invoke an act of censure” while the floor is
open. The motion requires a second to be entertained. Should the delegate in question object
to the motion, he or she shall make it known upon inquiry by the Chairperson. Where an
objection is raised, two speakers in favor of the motion shall be accorded the right to explain
why the delegate should be reprimanded for remarks he made during session. The delegate in
question shall also be given the opportunity to defend his position prior to the decision of the
Chairperson. Where no “motion to invoke an act of censure” is introduced, the Chairperson is at
discretion to censure a delegate. The decision to enact the censure lies with the Chairperson. A
censured delegate shall not be entitled to take the right to the floor, introduce motions,
sponsor or sign resolutions and amendments or participate in debate to any degree unless the
committee is in suspension. Any sponsorship or signature before the act of censure shall
remain valid, those sponsorships and signatures received after the enactment will be
considered void. A delegate under a censure retains the right to vote on both procedural and
substantive matters. A censure may not be shorter than 5 minutes and not exceed one hour in
length of formal session. Both the act of censure as well as the duration of the censure are at
the discretion of the Chairperson. Censured delegates must remain in committee for the
duration of their censure. Censured delegates leaving committee may be subject to further
disciplinary action at the discretion of the Secretary General upon recommendation by the
respective Chairperson.
Rule 55: Exclusion from MUN
Delegates grossly and consistently violating the Rules of Procedure, the Code of Conduct,
general standards of diplomacy and courtesy shall be subject to exclusion from the conference
at the discretion of the Secretary General. Upon exclusion a delegate's credentials shall be
revoked, all sponsorships and signatures will be declared void. Furthermore no entrance shall
be granted to an excluded delegate to venues of MUN or of activities related to MUN.
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Rule 56: Order of precedence of points and motions:
1.
Motion of Censure
2.
Parliamentary points
a. Points that may interrupt a speaker
- Points of personal privilege
- Point of order
b. Points that are in order only when the floor is open:
- Points of parliamentary inquiry
3.
Procedural motions that are not debatable
a. Adjournment of meeting
b. Suspension of the meeting
c. Unmoderated caucus
d. Moderated caucus
4.
Procedural motions that are applicable to an agenda item, a resolution or amendment
under consideration:
a. Adjournment of debate
b. Closure of debate
c. Postponement of debate
d. Division of the question
5.
Substantive motions
a. Resolutions
b. Amendments, 1st Order
c. Amendments, 2nd Order
Where there are two motions of the same nature, the motion with the larger impact on debate
shall have precedence.
XI – Additional Rules to the Security Council
Rule 57:Security Council
The United Nations Security Council shall convene by invitation of the Secretary General and
Crisis Director. The agenda item shall be announced 24 hours prior to the committee session.
Rule 58: Crisis Director
In the absence of the Secretary-General during a Security Council meeting, the Crisis-Director
shall act on behalf of the Secretary General.
Rule 59: External Communication
The Crisis Director shall inform all representatives of the Security Council about all
communications from States, Organs of the United Nations or other institutional organizations
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concerning any matter that is important to the discussions and proceedings of the Security
Council.
Rule 60: Procedural Voting
In accordance with Rule 49 all decisions upon procedural matters shall be made by a simple
majority vote.
Rule 61: Substantial Voting
In accordance with Rule 48 all decisions upon substantial matters shall be made by a simple
majority of affirmative and negative votes. The Permanent Members may veto any substantial
matter by casting a negative vote.
A veto right is granted to the 5 Permanent Members of the Security Council which are the
People’s Republic of China, the French Republic, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom of
Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the United States of America.
Rule 62: Observers in the Security Council
At the discretion of the Secretariat, the Security Council may invite further Member States or
any organization to the meetings of the Security Council. They have a right to participate in the
proceedings of the committee and shall not be excluded from committee in closed sessions.
They are not allowed to sign resolutions or amendments and they may not vote in substantial
voting procedures.
Rule 63: Multiple Resolutions
Over the course of the conference, the Security Council may pass several draft resolutions to
find appropriate measures for its dynamic problems.
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