LPCMUN Li Po Chun Model United Nations Email: lpcmun@gmail.com Website: http://lpcmun.tk

LPCMUNDelegate Handbook

Table of Contents

Overview: Flow of Debate, Rules and Procedures

Overview

Key concepts

Attending the Committee Session

Conference Protocol

Flow of Debate, Rules and Procedures

Rules of Parliamentary Procedures

Rules Governing Speeches

Points

Rules Governing Substantive Measures

Rules Governing Voting

Flow of Debate Diagram

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Delegate Handbook 1

Overview:Flow of Debate, Rules and ProceduresOverviewThe debates held by LPCMUN will be governed by the rules provided in this handbook. The debate follows the

General Speaker’s List (GSL), the backbone of the debate, with occasional deviations for motions for

moderated or unmoderated caucuses. The committee session will consist primarily of a series of speeches

based on the GSL. A nation may add its name to the GSL by submitting a request to the Chair by note passing

or by raising its placard when the Chair welcomes delegates to do so. The names of the next several nations to

speak will always be posted for the convenience of the Committee. During the GSL, the parliamentary rules of

procedure are in order. If a delegation wishes to discuss a particular issue in detail, it may request a deviation

from the GSL in the form of a moderated caucus.

Delegate can motion for a moderated caucus to facilitate discussion in a less formal format. The purpose of

the moderated caucus is to facilitate substantive debate at critical junctures in the discussion. 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 the motion is passed, the Chair will then temporarily depart from the GSL and call

on delegates to speak at his or her discretion for the stipulated time. A motion for a moderated caucus is in

order at any time when the floor is open, prior to closure of debate. Once raised, the motion will be voted on

immediately, with a simple majority required for passage. The Chair may rule the motion dilatory, in which case

the motion is considered out of order.

Delegates may choose to email fellow delegates in the committee to discuss solutions or certain matters after

having heard them express their particular points of view during formal debate, or to motion for a unmoderated

caucus. Ultimately, these discussions should cumulate in the creation of draft resolutions which express the

common ground found during debate.

Draft resolutions are the result of caucusing and coordinated writing efforts by the delegates. Once submitted

to the chair, a resolution may be introduced by the submitting delegation and put forward for debate by the

committee. These will be followed by the amendments, which offer specific altercations to the draft resolution,

and when the debate is closed, the committee proceeds to voting on the proposed draft resolutions.

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Delegate Handbook 2

Key concepts

Here is a table outlining some key concepts:

General Speaker’s List Moderated Caucus Unmoderated Caucus Draft Resolution and

Amendments

The GSL is the backbone of

the general debate. The

committee session will begin

with the first speaker. Once a

speaker finishes his/her

speech, the floor will be

opened by the Chair to

motions raised by delegates.

If no motions are presented,

debate continues according

to the GSL.

A moderated caucus can

be motioned for when the

floor is open. Delegates can

motion for a moderated

caucus, stating (1) Purpose,

(2) Duration, (3) Time per

speaker. The committee will

then vote on the motion for

the caucus.

An unmoderated caucus

can be motioned for when

the floor is open. Delegates

can motion for a moderated

caucus stating (1) Purpose,

(2) Duration. The committee

will then vote on the motion

for the caucus.

Draft Resolutions will be

the main documents in this

conference. Once a draft

resolution has been revised

after caucusing and

coordinated writing efforts, it

can be submitted to the

Chair by email. The Chair will

welcome delegates to

introduce the draft

resolution once the Chair

has approved the draft

resolution sent to the email.

GSL speeches are 1 min

long. Countries who would

like to speak can put their

names on the GSL by

sending a message to the

Chair via note-passing or by

raising their placards when

the Chair welcomes

delegates to do so.

Moderated caucus

speeches will follow the

voted purpose and the time

per speaker. The Chair will

entertain speakers one at a

time. Delegates may raise

their placards indicate their

wish to speak.

Unmoderated caucus will

allow delegates to discuss

informally in relation to the

topic and to collaborate on

resolution writing.

Amendments may follow

after draft resolutions have

been discussed.

Amendments should be sent

to the Chair’s email. They will

then be debated on and

voted by the committee.

Detailed explanation of Flow of Debate, Rules and Procedures to follow in later pages.

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Delegate Handbook 3

Attending the committee session

Conference Protocol

Attire: Delegates should attend in formal dress.

Raising the Placard: Delegates may raise their placards to:

At any time during the committee session

1. Raise a Point of Order 2. Ask for a Right of Reply

When the floor is open

1. Add his or her delegation to the GSL when the Chair welcomes delegates to do so2. Raise a Motion for a Moderated Caucus or Unmoderated Caucus3. Raise other motions mentioned in this handbook4. Raise a Point of Parliamentary Inquiry5. Raise a Point of Personal Privilege

Note-passing: Delegates may pass notes to fellow members of the committee discreetly during com-mittee sessions.

Email: Delegates who wish to submit documents to the Chair should notify the Chair via note-passing and send relevant materials to the Chair.

Rapporteur sheet: Delegates should pay attention to the projected rapporteur sheet at all times in order to follow the debate.

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Delegate Handbook 4

Flow of Debate, Rules and Procedures

Rules of Parliamentary Procedures

I. SCOPE: These rules apply to all the committees in this conference.

II. LANGUAGE: English will be the official and working language of the conference. Formal

and diplomatic language is expected from delegates at all times; delegates should

address the committee in the third person.

III. GENERAL POWERS OF THE COMMITTEE STAFF: The Committee Chair will declare

the opening and closing of each meeting and may propose the adoption of any

procedural motion to which there is no significant objection. Subject to these rules, the

Chair will have complete control of the proceedings of any meeting. The Chair will direct

discussions, accord the right to speak, put questions to the committee, announce

decisions, rule on points of order, and ensure and enforce the observance of these rules.

The Chair may temporarily transfer his duties to another member of the Committee staff

or other designates of the Chair. The Chair assistant will work closely with the Chair to

record proceedings throughout the entire debate.

IV. DEBATE: Delegates should raise a motion to open the

General Speakers List.

V. MODERATED CAUCUS: The purpose of the

moderated caucus is to facilitate substantive debate at

critical junctures in the discussion. The Chair will

temporarily depart from the speakers list and call on

delegates to speak at his or her discretion for the

stipulated time. 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. The Chair may rule the motion dilatory, in which case the motion is

considered out of order.

Motion to open the GSL

Motion for a Moderated Caucus

Request to speak in a Moderated

Caucus

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VI. 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 for the motion and specify a time limit for the caucus, not to exceed twenty

minutes. The motion will be put to a vote immediately, and a simple majority is required

for passage. The Chair may rule the motion dilatory, in which case the motion is

considered out of order.

VII. CLOSURE OF DEBATE: When the floor is open, a

delegate may move to close debate on the substantive

or procedural matter under discussion. The Chair may

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

favor of the motion will be recognized. Closure of debate requires a 2/3 majority to pass.

If the Committee is in favor of closure, the Chair will declare the closure of debate, and

the resolution or amendment will be brought to an immediate vote. If the speakers list is

exhausted and no delegations wish to add their name to the list, debate is immediately

closed and voting procedures commence.

VIII. RECONSIDERATION: A motion to reconsider is in order

when a 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 put to a vote. A 2/3 majority of the members present and voting is required

for reconsideration.

Rules Governing Speeches

I. GENERAL SPEAKER’S LIST: The Committee will have

a General Speakers List for the Topic Area being

discussed. A delegation may add its name to the

speakers list by raising its placard when the Chair

welcomes delegates to do so. The names of the next

several nations to speak will always be posted for the convenience of the Committee.

Motion for Unmoderated Caucus

Motion for Closure of Debate

Motion for Reconsideration

Request to add country to General

Speaker’s List

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II. 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 her remarks are not

relevant to the subject under discussion, or are offensive to committee members or staff.

III. SPEAKING TIME: When any speakers list is opened, the speaking time is automatically

set to one minute. Delegates may also motion to set a new speaking time at any time

when points or motions are in order during formal debate. This motion requires a simple

majority to pass.

IV. YIELDS: A delegate granted the right to speak from a speakers list may, after speaking,

yield in one of three ways: to another delegate, to questions, or to the Chair. Yields are in

order only on substantive speeches and not during moderated caucus.

A. 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.

B. Yield to comments: The Chair may recognize two delegations, other than the initial

speaker, to comment for 30 seconds each on the specific content of the speech just

completed.

C. Yield to the chair: Such a yield should be made if the delegate does not wish his or her

speech to be subject to comments. The Chair will then return to the GSL.

V. RIGHT OF REPLY: A delegate whose personal or

national integrity has been impugned by another

delegate may request in writing a Right of Reply. The

Chair’s decision whether to grant the Right of Reply

cannot be appealed, and a delegate granted a Right of Reply will not address the

committee until requested to do so by the Chair.

Points

VI. POINT OF ORDER: During the discussion of any

matter, a delegate may rise to a Point of Order to indicate

an instance of improper use of 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 cannot be appealed. A

representative rising to a Point of Order may not speak on the substance of the matter

under discussion. A Point of Order may only interrupt a speaker when the speech itself is

not following proper parliamentary procedure.

Request for Right of Reply

Raise a Point of Order

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VII. POINT OF PARLIAMENTARY INQUIRY: 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 can be made when the

floor is open.

VIII. POINT OF PERSONAL PRIVILEGE: If a delegate feels

there is a need to inform the Chair of a personal matter

that is hindering his/her participation, the delegate may

raise this point when the floor is open.

Rules Governing Substantive Measures

I. DRAFT RESOLUTION: Before being introduced, a draft resolution needs to have at

least 5 signatures from different delegations and the

approval of the Chair. Signing a resolution need not

indicate support of the resolution, and the signatory

has no further rights or obligations. The Chair’s

decision not to accept a resolution or amendment

may not be appealed. Introduction of draft

resolutions require a simple majority to pass unless

otherwise stated in specific Committee rules.

II. INTRODUCING RESOLUTIONS: Once a resolution

has been approved as stipulated above and has

distributed electronically, a delegate may make a

motion to introduce the resolution. This motion

requires only authorization by the Chair. More than

one resolution may be on the floor at any one time,

but at most one resolution may be passed.

III. AMENDMENTS: Delegates may amend any

Raise a Point of Parliamentary In-

quiry

Raise a Point of Personal Privilege

To submit a draft resolution

SEND EMAIL TO YOUR CHAIR

and notify your Chair via note-passing

---

After the Chair has approved the draft

resolution:

Motion for introduction of

draft resolution

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resolution that has been introduced. An amendment

must have the approval of the Chair and the

signatures of 1/5 of the Committee. Amendments to

amendments are out of order; however, an amended

part of a resolution may be further amended. There

are no official sponsors of amendments and all

amendments, once a resolution is on the floor, must

be debated and voted upon.

A. An approved amendment may be introduced

when the floor is open. General debate will be

suspended and two speakers lists will be

established, one for and one against the amendment. Debate will alternate between

each list.

B. A motion to close debate will be in order after the Committee has heard two speakers

for the motion and two against, or when one of the speakers lists is exhausted. The

Chair will recognize two speakers against the motion to close debate, and a 2/3

majority is required for closure of debate on the agenda.

C. When debate is closed on the amendment, the Committee will move to an immediate

vote. After the vote, debate will return to the general speakers list.

Rules Governing Voting

I. DIVISION OF THE QUESTION: After debate on a Topic

Area has been closed, a delegate may move to divide

the question on any item which is about to be voted on.

Division of the question allows for a specified set of

operative clauses to be voted on separately from the rest. Pre-ambulatory clauses may

not be removed by division of the question. This motion requires a simple majority to

pass.

A. If the motion passes, the Chair will accept proposals on how to divide the question.

Such proposals may divide the question into two or more parts. After all proposals

have been accepted, the Chair will arrange them from most the proposal that offers

the drastic change to the resolution to the one that offers the least, and each will be

voted on, in that order.

B. If any proposal passes, all other proposals are discarded and the resolution or

amendment is divided accordingly. A substantive vote must then be taken on each

To submit an amendment

SEND EMAIL TO YOUR CHAIR

and notify your Chair via note-passing

---

After the Chair has approved an

amendment:

Motion for introduction of amendment

Motion for division of question

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Delegate Handbook 9

divided part to determine whether or not it is included in the final draft. A simple

majority is required for inclusion of each part. After all parts have been voted on,

those that were voted to be included are recombined into the final resolution. If all

of the operative parts of the substantive proposal are rejected, the proposal will be

considered to have been rejected as a whole.

II. REORDERING RESOLUTIONS: The default order in

which resolutions are voted on is the order in which they

were introduced. After debate on a topic has been

closed, a delegate may motion to change the order in

which resolutions on the Committee floor will be voted on. Such a motion must specify a

desired order. Once such a motion has been made, the Chair will accept alternative

proposals for ordering. Proposals will be voted on in the order in which they were

received and require a simple majority to pass; once a proposal has been passed, all

others are discarded and resolutions will be voted on in that order.

III. VOTING: Once Committee is in voting procedure and all relevant motions have been

entertained, the committee will vote on all resolutions on the floor. Voting occurs on each

resolution in succession; once a resolution has been passed, no further resolutions will

be voted on. Each country will have one vote. Each delegation may vote “Yes,” “No,” or

“Abstain.” After the Chair has announced the beginning of voting, no delegate will

interrupt the voting except on a Point of Order in connection with the actual conduct of

the voting. A simple majority requires more “Yes” votes than “No” votes; abstentions are

not counted toward either total.

IV. ROLL CALL VOTING: After closure of debate on any Topic Area, any delegate may

request a roll call vote. Voting will be automatically adopted under the discretion of the

Chair.

A. In a roll call vote, the Chair will call all countries in attendance in alphabetical order

beginning with a randomly selected member.

B. In the first sequence, delegates may vote “Yes,” “No,” “Abstain,” “Pass,” “Yes with

rights,” or “No with rights.”

C. A delegate who passes during the first sequence of the roll call must vote “Yes” or

“No” during the second sequence. The same delegate may not request the right

of explanation.

Motion for reordering or resolutions

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D. A delegate may only vote with rights if his or her vote appears to constitute a

divergence from his or her country’s policy. After all delegates have voted,

delegates who had requested the right of explanation will be granted 30 seconds each

to explain their votes.

E. The Chair will then announce the outcome of the vote.

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Delegate Handbook 11

Flow of DebateThis diagram outlines the flow of debate.

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Delegate Handbook 12