AMITY UNIVERSITY RAJASTHAN MODEL UNITED NATIONS

Rules of Procedure

GENERAL RULES

Rule #1: Scope

The rules included in this guide are applicable to all committees and the Specialized Agencies. Each rule is
self-reliant unless modified by the Secretariat, in which case, the modification will be deemed adopted before
the session begins. No other rules of procedure apply. If a situation arises that has not been addressed by the
Rules of Procedure, the Committee Chair will be the final authority on what procedure to follow.

Rule # 2: Language
English will be the official and working language of the conference. If a delegate wishes to present a
document written in a language other than English, the delegate will have to provide a translation to the
committee staff that will then distribute the translated version to the rest of the committee.

Rule # 3: Representation
A member of the Committee is a representative who is officially registered with the Conference. Each
member will be represented by one or two delegates and will have one vote on each Committee. If two
delegates represent a Member State of a Committee, the delegates can present speeches together without
formally yielding as long as only one delegate speaks at any given time.

Rule # 4: Credentials
The credentials of all delegations have been accepted upon registration. Actions relating to the modification
of rights, privileges, or credentials of any member may not be initiated without the written consent of the
Secretariat. Any representative whose admission raises an objection by another member will provisionally be
seated with the same rights as other representatives, pending a decision from the Secretariat.

Rule # 5: Participation of Non-Members

Representatives of Accredited Observers will have the same rights as those of full members, except that they
may not sign or vote on draft resolutions or amendments. These representatives reserve the right to vote only
on procedural matters but not on substantive matters.

Rule # 6: Statements by the Secretariat

The Secretary-General or a member of the Secretariat designated by him/her reserves the right to make either
written or oral statements to the Committee at any time.

Rule # 7: General Powers of the Committee Staff

The Committee Dais Staff consists of the Chairperson, Vice chairperson and a Rapporteur. Each Committee
session will be announced open and closed by the Committee 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. The Chair will direct the flow of debate, grant the right
to speak, ask questions, announce decisions, rule on points of order, and enforce adherence to these rules. If
necessary and given no objections, the Committee Chair may choose to suspend the rules in order to clarify a
certain substantive or procedural issue. The Committee Chair also has the right to interrupt the flow of debate
in order to show a presentation or to bring in a guest speaker or an expert witness. The Chair can choose to
temporarily transfer his or her duties to another member of the Committee Dais staff. Committee Dais staff
members may also advise delegations on the possible course of debate. Further, no hand-outs may be
circulated to the committee body without the knowledge and explicit approval of the Chair. In the exercise of
these functions, the Committee Dais staff will be at all times subject to these rules and responsible to the
Secretariat.

Rule # 8: Quorum
Quorum denotes the minimum number of delegates who need to be present in order to open debate. When at
least one-quarter of the members of the Committee (as declared at the beginning of the first session) are
present, quorum is met, and the Chair declares a Committee open to proceed with debate. A quorum will be
assumed to be present unless specifically challenged and shown to be absent. A roll call is never required to
determine the presence of a quorum. In order to vote on any substantive motion, the Committee must
establish the presence of a simple majority of members.

Rule # 9: Courtesy
Every delegate will be courteous and respectful to the Committee staff and to other delegates. The Chair will
immediately call to order any delegate who does not abide by this rule. Any delegate who feels that he or she
is not being treated respectfully is encouraged to speak to the Chair, who will then take the appropriate
action.

Rule # 10: Electronic Aids Rule

Delegates are permitted to use laptops and other electronic devices inside the committee room only to access
already saved material. Use of internet in the council during session will not be allowed. However, during
unmoderated caucus or other informal sessions, the same can be accessed only with the prior permission of
the Chairperson. In case double delegation also, only one laptop is allowed.

Rule # 11: Delegate Conduct

Delegates are warned that AUR MUN has a zero-tolerance policy for slandering, disparaging, or acting in
any other way that is inflammatory to other delegates. Neither speeches nor debates with other delegates may
contain remarks of this nature. Those delegates who believe that their countries’ policies merit such conduct
are advised to consult the Chair before taking any action.

Rule # 12: Absences

If a delegate is not present during roll call, he or she is considered absent until a note is sent to the dais staff.
A delegate who is recognized but is not present when called upon yields his or her time to the Chair, and
debate shall continue unabated. In order to receive fee waivers and scholarships, delegates are required to
attend all sessions.

RULES GOVERNING DEBATE

Rule # 13: Agenda

The Agenda decides the order in which the topics will be discussed in committee. Therefore the first matter
the Committee decides on will be setting the agenda. The only motion in order at this time will be in the form
of “I move that Topic Area X be placed first on the Agenda.”

a) In the event of a simulated international crisis or emergency, the Secretary-General, members of the
Secretariat, or members of the Committee Staff may call upon the delegates to table debate on the
current Topic Area, so that the more pressing issue may be attended to immediately. After a draft
resolution has been passed on the crisis topic, the Committee will return to debate on the tabled topic. If
a draft resolution on the crisis topic fails, the Committee may return to debate on the tabled Topic Area
only at the discretion of the Committee Staff. Comments are not in order during debate on the agenda
since deciding the Agenda is a procedural question. 


b) All motions for caucus shall be ruled out of order during consideration of the agenda. Also, delegates
will not be allowed to yield their time (see Rule 25). 


Rule # 14: Debate 


The setting of the Agenda is followed by the opening of a new, continuous Speakers List, which is used to
begin general debate. This Speakers List will decide the order of speakers for all debate on the Topic Area,
except when superseded by procedural motions, amendments, or the introduction of a draft resolution.
Speakers may speak generally on the Topic Area being considered and may address any draft resolution
currently on the floor. Once a draft resolution has been introduced, it remains on the floor and may be
debated until it fails, the Committee postpones debate on it, or the Committee moves to the next Topic Area. 


Rule # 15: Unmoderated Caucus 


A delegate may motion for an unmoderated caucus at any time when the floor is open, prior to closure of
debate. The delegate making the motion must specify a time limit and a topic of discussion for the caucus,
not to exceed twenty minutes. The motion will immediately be put to a vote and will pass given a simple
majority. In the case of multiple unmoderated caucuses, the 

Chair will rank the motions in descending order of length, and the Committee members will vote
accordingly. The Chair may rule the motion dilatory, and his/her decision is not subject to appeal. An
unmoderated caucus may be extended only twice.

Rule # 16: Moderated Caucus

The purpose of a moderated caucus is to facilitate substantive debate at critical junctures in the discussion. In
a moderated caucus, the Chair will temporarily depart from the Speakers List and call on delegates to speak
at his/her discretion. 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 explain its purpose and specify a time limit
for the caucus, not to exceed twenty minutes, and a time limit for the individual speeches. Once raised, the
motion will be voted on immediately, with a simple majority of members required for passage. In the case of
multiple moderated caucuses, the Chair will rank the motions in descending order of length, and the
Committee members will vote accordingly. The Chair may rule a motion dilatory, and his/her decision is not
subject to appeal. No motions are in order between speeches during a moderated caucus. A delegate can and
will be ruled out of order if the delegate’s speech does not address the topic of the moderated caucus. If no
delegate wishes to speak during a moderated caucus, the caucus shall immediately end. A moderated caucus
may be extended only twice but only after the caucus has ended.

Rule # 17: Closure of Debate

When the floor is open, a delegate may move to close debate on the substantive or procedural matter under
discussion. Delegates may move to close debate on the general topic, debate on the agenda, or debate on an
amendment. The Chair may, subject to appeal, rule such a motion dilatory. When closure of debate is moved,
the Chair may recognize up to two speakers against the motion. No speaker in favour of the motion will be
recognized. Closure of debate requires the support of two-thirds of the members present and voting. If there
are no speakers against the closing debate, the Committee Chair will ask the delegates if there are any
objections to voting by acclamation (Please see Rule 37 for details on procedure). If there are no objections,
the motion to close debate will automatically be adopted and the Committee will move immediately to
substantive voting procedure.

Rule # 18: Suspension or Adjournment of the Meeting

The suspension of the meeting means the postponement of all Committee functions until the next meeting.
The adjournment of the meeting means the postponement of all Committee functions for the duration of the
Conference. Whenever the floor is open, a delegate may move for the suspension of the meeting or
adjournment of the meeting. The Chair may rule such motions dilatory; these decisions shall not be subject to
appeal. When in order, such motions will not be debatable but will be immediately voted upon, barring any
motions taking precedence, and will require a simple majority to pass. A motion to adjourn will be out of
order prior to the lapse of three-quarters of the time allotted for the last meeting of the Committee. In the
case of a real emergency, as declared by the Secretary-General, members of the Secretariat or the Committee
Staff, debate will automatically be suspended without any exceptions.

Rule # 19: Postponement and Resumption of Debate

Whenever the floor is open, a delegate may move for the postponement of debate on a draft resolution,
amendment, or topic currently on the floor. The motion, otherwise known as “tabling,” will require a two-
thirds vote to pass and will be debatable to the extent of one speaker in favour and one opposed. No debate
or action will be allowed on any draft resolution, amendment, or topic on which debate has been postponed.
A motion to resume debate on an amendment, draft resolution, or topic on which debate has been postponed
will require a simple majority to pass and will be debatable to the extent of one speaker in favour and one
opposed. Resumption of debate will cancel the effects of postponement of debate.

Rule # 20: Reconsideration

A motion to reconsider is in order when a draft resolution or amendment has been adopted or rejected, and
must be made by a member who voted with the majority on the substantive proposal. The Chair will
recognize two speakers opposing the motion after which the motion will be immediately voted upon. A two-
thirds majority of the members present is required for reconsideration. If the motion passes, the Committee
will immediately vote again on the draft resolution or amendment being reconsidered.
Rule # 21: Appeal
An appeal can only be made to procedural matters, but not substantive ones. A delegate may appeal any
procedural decision of the Chair unless it is one that cannot be appealed as stated by the rules of procedure.
The delegate can only appeal a ruling immediately after it has been pronounced. The delegate will be given
thirty seconds in order to explain the reasoning behind the appeal. The Chair may speak briefly in defence of
the ruling. The appeal shall then be put to a vote, and the decision of the Chair shall stand unless overruled
by two-thirds of those members present and voting. The Chair’s decision not to sign a draft resolution or
amendment is never appealable. A “Yes” vote indicates support of the Chair’s ruling; a “No” vote indicates
opposition to that ruling. The Chair’s ruling shall stand unless overruled by two-thirds of the committee
voting ‘No’.

RULES GOVERNING SPEECHES

Rule # 22: Speakers List

The Committee shall at all times have an open Speakers List for the Topic Area being discussed. The Chair
will either set a speaking time or entertain motions to set a speaking time. Separate Speakers Lists will be
established as needed for procedural motions and debate on amendments. A member may add its name to the
Speakers List by submitting a request in writing to the Chair, provided that member is not already on the
Speakers List, and may remove its name from the Speakers List by submitting a request in writing to the
Chair. At any time the Chair may call for members that wish to be added to the Speakers List. The names of
the next several members to speak will always be posted for the convenience of the Committee. The
Speakers List for the second Topic Area will not be open until the Committee has proceeded to that topic.
The Speakers List is the default activity of the Committee. If no motions are on the floor, debate
automatically returns to the Speakers List. A motion to close any Speakers List is never in order; nor is a
motion to return to the Speakers List ever in order.

Rule # 23: Speeches

No delegate may address a session without having previously obtained the permission of the Chair. The
Chair may call a speaker to order if his/her remarks are not relevant to the subject under discussion, or are
offensive to Committee members or staff. Delegates are required to make all speeches from the 3rd person
perspective. There can be no speeches made from the 1st person unless the approval of the Chair is received.
There can be no props used unless the approval of the Chair is received.

Rule # 24: Time Limit on Speeches

The Chair may limit the time allotted to each speaker. The minimum time limit will be ten seconds. 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 # 25: Yields

A delegate granted the right to speak on a substantive issue may yield in one of three ways at the conclusion
of his/her speech: to another delegate, to questions, or to the Chair. A delegate must declare any yield at the
conclusion of his or her speech.


Yield to another delegate: His or her remaining time will be offered to that delegate. If the delegate accepts
the yield, the Chair shall recognize the delegate for the remaining time. The second delegate speaking may
not yield back to the original delegate. To turn the floor over to a co-delegate of the same member state is not
considered a yield.

Yield to questions: Questioners will be selected by the Chair and limited to one question each. Follow-up
questions will be allowed only at the discretion of the Chair. The Chair will have the right to call to order any
delegate whose question is, in the opinion of the Chair, rhetorical, leading, and/or not designed to elicit
information.

Yield to the chair: Such a yield should be made if the delegate does not wish his/her speech to be subject to
questions. The Chair will then move to the next speaker. Only one yield is allowed per speech (i.e. no yields
on yielded time). There are no yields allowed if the delegate is speaking on a procedural matter. A delegate
must declare any yield by the conclusion of his/her speech. Even if a delegate’s time has elapsed, he/she
must still yield. Yields only need to be made when debate proceeds according to a Speakers List.
Rule # 26: Comments
If a substantive speech involves no yields, and if the speaker does not use all of the time allotted, the Chair
may recognize up to two delegates, other than the original speaker, to comment for thirty seconds on the
specific content of the speech just completed. Commentators may not yield. No comments shall be in order
during debate on procedural motions.

Rule # 27: Right of Reply

A delegate whose personal or national integrity has been impugned by another delegate may submit a Right
of Reply only in writing to the Committee staff. The Chair will grant the Right of Reply at his/her discretion;
this decision is not appealable. A delegate granted a Right of Reply will not address the Committee except at
the request of the Chair. A Right of Reply to a Right of Reply is out of order.

RULES GOVERNING POINTS



Rule # 28: Points of Personal Privilege

Whenever a delegate experiences personal discomfort, which impairs his/her ability to participate in the
proceedings, he/she may rise to a Point of Personal Privilege to request that the discomfort be corrected. A
Point of Personal Privilege may only interrupt a speaker if the delegate speaking is inaudible. Otherwise, the
delegate rising on the Point of Personal Privilege must always wait till the end of the speech to raise the
Point.

Rule # 29: Points of Order

During the discussion of any matter, a delegate may rise to a Point of Order to indicate an instance of
improper parliamentary procedure. The Point of Order will be immediately decided by the Chair in
accordance with these rules of procedure. The chair may rule out of order those points that are dilatory or
improper; such a decision is not appealable. A representative rising to a Point of Order may not speak on the
substance of the matter under discussion. A Point of Order may not interrupt a speaker during the speech.
The delegate who rises to a point of order must wait till the end of the speech. Additionally, the Committee
Chair has the right to address a delegate if proper parliamentary procedure is not being followed. A point of
order may be raised in cases of factual inconsistency also. This means, that if a delegate made a statement
which is factually incorrect, then this point can be raised after the speech of the delegate. Point of order can
be suspended at the discretion of the chair.

Rule # 30: Points of Parliamentary Inquiry

When the floor is open, a delegate may rise to a Point of Parliamentary Inquiry to ask the Chair a question
regarding the rules of procedure. A Point of Parliamentary Inquiry may never interrupt a speaker. Delegates
with substantive questions should not rise to this Point, but should rather approach the Committee staff
during caucus or send a note to the dais. Points of Information do not exist.

RULES GOVERNING THE PATH TO A DRAFT RESOLUTION

Rule # 31: 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 draft resolution
format. Working papers are not official documents and may be presented in any format approved by the
Chair, but do require the signature of the Chair 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. No document may be referred to as a
“working paper” until it has been introduced.
Rule # 32: Draft Resolutions
A draft resolution may be introduced when it receives the approval of the Chair and is signed by one tenth of
the committee strength. Signing a draft resolution need not indicate support of the draft resolution, and the
signatory has no further rights or obligations. There are no official sponsors of draft resolutions. Signatories
should be listed in alphabetical order on every draft resolution. A draft resolution requires a special majority
of members (2/3 members present and voting) present to pass. Only one draft resolution shall be accepted
and be passed per Topic Area. After a draft resolution is passed, voting procedure will end and the
Committee session expires upon several formalities.

Rule # 33: Introduction to Draft Resolutions

Once a draft resolution has been approved as stipulated above and has been copied and distributed, a
delegate(s) may move to introduce the draft resolution. The Chair, time permitting, may read the operative
clauses of the draft resolution. Alternatively, the Chair may recognize a certain number of delegates (at the
Chair’s discretion) to come forward to answer questions on the resolution to which they were signatories. In
addition, the Chair may also allow for an informal presentation of the resolutions. No document may be
referred to as a “draft resolution” until it has been introduced. A procedural vote is then taken to determine
whether the resolution shall be introduced. Should the motion receive the simple majority required to pass,
the draft resolution will be considered introduced and on the floor. The Chair, at his/her discretion, may
answer any classificatory points on the draft resolution. Any substantive points will be ruled out of order
during this period, and the Chair may end this ‘clarificatory question-answer period’ for any reason,
including time constraints. More than one draft resolution may be on the floor at any one time. A draft
resolution will remain on the floor until debate on that specific draft resolution is postponed or a Resolution
on that topic Area has been passed. Debate on draft resolutions proceeds according to the general Speakers’
List for that Topic Area and delegates may then refer to the draft resolution by its designated number. No
delegate may refer to a draft resolution until it is formally introduced.

Rule #34: Amendments

Delegates may amend any draft resolution that has been introduced by adding to, deleting from or revising
parts of it. Only one amendment may be introduced at any given time. An amendment must have the
approval of the Chair and the signatures of 3 countries. Amendments to amendments are out of order;
however, an amended part of a draft resolution may be further amended. There are no official sponsors of
amendments. As there are no official sponsors of draft resolutions, there can be no friendly amendments. If a
submitted amendment contains a typological error, the corrected version should be submitted to the Chair
only and does not need to be circulated to the entire committee. The Chair, at his or her discretion will
announce the corrections made in the latter version. Perambulatory phrases may not be amended. The final
vote on the amendment is substantive; NGOs, Observer Nations, and Third Party Actors will not be allowed
to vote on amendments.

a) A motion to introduce an approved amendment may be introduced when the floor is open. After this
motion, the Chair may read the amendment aloud, time permitting. The motion will pass by a simple
majority. General debate will be suspended and a Speakers’ List will be established for and against the
amendment.

b) A motion to close debate will be in order after the Committee has heard from two speakers’ for the
amendment and from two speakers’ against or from all the speakers’ on one side and at least two on the other
side.


c) The Chair will recognize two speakers’ against the motion to close debate, and a vote of two thirds is
required for closure. If there are no speakers’ against the motion to close debate, the Committee Chair will
ask to move to voting by acclamation.

d) When debate is closed on the amendment, the Committee will move to an immediate vote. Amendments
need a simple majority to pass.


e) After the vote, debate will resume according to the general Speakers’ List.
RULES GOVERNING VOTING

Rule # 35: Procedural Voting

Voting on any matter other than draft resolutions and amendments is considered procedural. Each and every
member of the committee must vote on all procedural motions, and 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 # 36: Substantive Voting

Substantive voting includes voting on draft resolutions and amendments. Once the committee closes debate
on the general Topic Area, it will move into substantive voting procedures. At this point of time, the
chambers are sealed and no interruptions will be allowed. The only points and motions that will be in order
are: Division of the Question, Reordering Draft Resolutions, and Motion to vote by acclamation, Motion for
a Roll Call Vote, Point of Personal Privilege, Point of Parliamentary Inquiry and Point of Order. If there are
no such motions, the Committee will vote on all draft resolutions. For substantive voting, each member will
have one vote. Each vote may be a ‘Yes – with or without rights,’ ‘No - with or without rights,’ ‘Pass’ or
‘Abstain.’ In the second round those who voted pass have to either say ‘Yes’ or ‘No.’ They cannot say pass/
yes with rights or no with rights. The tally of Yes votes must be 2/3 of the total votes for the draft resolution
to pass.

Rule # 37: Voting by Acclamation

Before the beginning the vote on a particular motion, draft resolution or amendment, the Committee Chair
has the right to ask his or her members if there are any objections to a vote by acclamation. If the committee
members have no objections, then the motion will automatically be adopted without the committee going
into voting procedure. A single objection to voting by acclamation will mean that the committee will go into
normal voting procedure.

Rule # 38: Reordering Draft Resolutions

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 and then vote on them in the order in which they
were introduced. 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 # 39: Division of the Question

After debate on any topic has been closed, a delegate may move that the operative parts of a draft resolution
be voted on separately. Perambulatory clauses and sub-operative clauses may not be altered by division of
the question. This motion is in order pursuant to a procedural vote in the committee after giving 30 seconds
to the delegate to make committee aware as to why be it necessary.

Rule # 40: Roll Call Voting

A delegate has the right to request a roll call vote after debate on a draft resolution is closed. A roll call vote
can only be in order for substantive votes. A motion for a roll call vote may be made from the floor and must
be seconded.


a) A roll call vote, the Chair will call members in alphabetical order starting with a randomly selected
member.

b) In the first sequence, delegates may vote “Yes,” “Yes with Rights”, “No,” “No with Rights”, “Abstain,”
or “Pass.” Delegates who vote either “Yes with Rights” or “No with Rights” reserve the right to explain
his/her vote only when the delegate is voting against the policy of his/her country. The delegate will only
be allowed to explain an affirmative or negative vote, not an abstention from voting.

c) A delegate who voted “Pass” during the first sequence of the roll call must vote (i.e. may not abstain or
pass) during the second sequence. The same delegate may not request the right to explain his/her vote.
d) The Chair shall then call for changes of votes; no delegate may request a right of explanation if he or she
did not request on in the previous two sequences. All delegates who had requested the right of
explanation will be granted time to explain their votes. The speaking time will be set at the discretion of
the Chair, not to exceed thirty seconds.

e) The Chair will then announce the outcome of the vote.

PRECEDENCE OF MOTIONS


Motions will be considered in the following order of preference:

1. Point of Personal Privilege (Rule 28)

2. Point of Order (Rule 29)

3. Point of Parliamentary Inquiry (Rule 30)

4. Adjournment of the Meeting (Rule 18)

5. Suspension of the Meeting (Rule 18)

6. Unmoderated Caucusing (Rule 15)

7. Moderated Caucusing (Rule 16)

8. Introduction of Draft Resolution (Rule 33)

9. Introduction of an Amendment (Rule 34)

10. Postponement of Debate (Rule 19)

11. Resumption of Debate (Rule 19)

12. Closure of Debate (Rule 17)


At the start of voting procedure, the following points and motions are in order, in the following order of
precedence:


1. Point of Personal Privilege (Rule 28)

2. Point of Order (Rule 29)

3. Point of Parliamentary Inquiry (Rule 30)

4. Reordering Draft Resolutions (Rule 38)

5. Division of the Question (Rule 39)

6. Motion for a Roll Call Vote (Rule 40)

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