A GUIDE TO MODEL UN

PROCEDURES

ILMUNC India

November 22 – 25, 2018

Sheraton Grand Bengaluru

Whitefield Hotel & Convention
Center
Procedure is a vital aspect of Model UN. In committee, there are very specific guidelines
that must be adhered to when one wants to make an action. While rules of procedure vary
from conference to conference, the following document explains the parliamentary
procedure at ILMUNC India. Parliamentary procedure is the language through which you
will communicate during the conference. The following guide is a “translation,” and
explains each rule in a few different ways. First, the “context” describes what the function
of the rule is. Second, the “when” explains the time that the rule is used. Third, a
“comment” is provided if there is another part of the rule. And lastly, the “best used for”
explains the best time for a rule to be used.

MOTIONS

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

MOTION TO OPEN THE SPEAKERS LIST

Context: This motion is used when a delegate wants to start a new speakers list; the chair
will then call on delegates who want to be added to the list.
When: This is used at the beginning of the conference when a speakers list has to be
opened to set the agenda; it can also be used later on a in conference to create a new
speaker list whenever there is a new topic of discussion or if the delegate deems it
necessary to have a speakers list.

MOTION TO SET THE AGENDA

Context: This is used to set the order in which the topics will be debated; there will be
two speakers for and two speakers against the motion.
When: The motion is used after there has been sufficient debate upon which of the topics
on the agenda is more important and will be entertained at the discretion of the chair.

MOTION FOR A MODERATED CAUCUS

Context: This motion is employed when one wants to start a moderated caucus. A
moderated caucus refers to the form of debate where delegates raise their placards and
the chair calls upon the delegates whose turn it is to speak.
When: A moderated caucus can be called for anytime during organized debate (when the
chair asks if there are any points or motions on the floor), or after a previous caucus is
finished.
Comment: When a delegate calls for a moderated caucus, they also must specify the
length of the caucus, the length of each speaking time, and the purpose of the caucus; for
example, “motion for a ten-minute moderated caucus with a thirty second speaking time
for the purpose of discussing education within the field of child labor.”
Best used for: A moderated caucus is best used for relatively fast paced discussions
about a specific sub-topic. It is sometimes used to hear the opinions of many nations in
order to focus what the committee will talk about.

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MOTION FOR AN UNMODERATED CAUCUS
Context: This motion is utilized when one wants to start an unmoderated caucus. An
unmoderated caucus refers to the form of debate where delegates are allowed to move
from their seats and speak directly to other delegates.
When: An unmoderated caucus can be called for anytime during organized debate (when
the chair asks if there are any points or motions on the floor), or after a previous caucus
is finished.
Comment: When a delegate calls for an unmoderated caucus, they also must specify the
length of the caucus.
Best used for: An unmoderated caucus is best used for informal debate. If a delegate
wishes to have a discussion with another delegate, or if a delegate wishes to collaborate
with others in writing a resolution, then an unmoderated caucus would be appropriate.

MOTION FOR A RIGHT OF REPLY

Context: If a member of the committee makes a personal attack on another delegate, then
the offended delegate is permitted to reply to the delegate. However, if an attack is made
on a delegate’s position, the delegate does not receive a right of reply, meaning “Country
A is stupid…” would deserve a right of reply, while, “Country B’s idea of satellites is
idiotic…” does not deserve a right of reply.
When: A right of reply is requested directly after the personal attack is made
Comment: The chair makes the ultimate ruling as to whether or not the delegate in
question deserves a right of reply.
Comment: At ILMUNC India, all rights of reply must be submitted to the chair in writing.

MOTION TO INTRODUCE WORKING PAPER/RESOLUTION/AMENDMENT

Context: This motion is used when a delegate wants to introduce (meaning read it to the
committee and make it an official document) a working paper/ resolution/amendment.
When: This motion is used after the dais staff has handed out the working
paper/resolution/amendment to the committee.
Comment: When you move to introduce the document, you also must specify the number
(ex: motion to introduce resolution 2.3) that way it is easier to specify what paper or
amendment you are referring to with your working paper.

MOTION TO TABLE THE TOPIC

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

MOTION TO CLOSE THE SPEAKERS LIST

Context: Closing the speakers list means that no more countries will be added to the
speakers list; when all the names on the speakers list have been exhausted, then the
committee immediately moves into voting procedure.
When: This motion can be used any time during formal debate.

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MOTION TO CLOSE DEBATE AND MOVE INTO VOTING PROCEDURE
Context: This motion is used if a delegate wants to end debate on a topic and move into
voting procedure; there will be two speakers against this motion.
When: This motion can be used any time (but it will not be taken seriously unless an
ample amount of debate on the issue has occurred).

MOTION FOR A ROLL CALL VOTE

Context: Once the delegated who voted yes/no with rights shares their stance, delegates
who voted abstain may decided to change their vote one way or another.
When: The motion is used during voting procedure and automatically adopted, with the
chair’s approval.
Comment: The ways one can vote during a roll call vote are yes, no, yes with rights, no
with rights, abstain, and pass. If a delegate votes yes, it means he/she is in favor of the
resolution. If a delegate votes no, it means the delegate is against the resolution. If a
delegate abstains, it means he/she does not wish to cast a vote on the resolution. If a
delegate votes yes/no with rights, it means the delegate wishes to explain his/her vote.
The delegate, upon completion of the roll call vote, will receive a thirty-second speech. If
a delegate votes yes/no with rights it usually means that the delegate would like to
explain why he/she is voting against their country’s position or against what the country
was arguing for during debate. If a delegate passes, it means that the delegate is unsure
of how to vote and will be called upon at the end of the roll call vote. Please note that if a
delegate passes, he/she cannot vote with rights.

MOTION TO DIVIDE THE QUESTION

Context: This motion is used if a delegate wishes to divide out a portion (certain clauses)
of a resolution; each portion of the resolution will then be voted on separately. This
requires two speakers for and two speakers against the motion to divide, not the
individual divisions.
When: This motion is used during voting procedure.
Comment: A delegate would use this motion if the he/she agrees with the majority of a
resolution but cannot or will not vote for it because of a certain clause.

MOTION TO RECESS
Context: This motion is used to suspend debate at the end of each committee session.
When: At the end of each committee session, once the chair says that he/she would take
a motion to Recess.

MOTION TO ADJOURN
Context: This motion is used to end the last committee session, ending the conference.
When: The motion is used at the end of the last committee session, once the chair says
that he/she would take a motion to adjourn.

MOTION TO QUESTION THE COMPETENCE OF THE COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS…

Context: This motion is used if a delegate believes that a topic either in a resolution or
discussed in committee is out of the jurisdiction of charter of that committee. For
example, if a resolution on the Commission on the Status of Women had a clause which
discussed Iraq’s nuclear disarmament, that would merit a motion to question the
competence because CSW does not have the ability to disarm Iraq. When someone uses

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this motion, there will be two speakers for and two speakers against the topic/clauses at
hand followed by a vote; if the vote passes, then the topic at hand will be removed from
the resolution/discussion.
When: The motion can be used any time during formal debate.
Comment: This motion is a very serious motion that drastically changes the course of
debate. Accordingly, it should only be used if you and your fellow delegates believe there
is a serious problem and the topic of discussion is fully outside the scope of the
committee.

MOTION TO QUESTION THE COMPETENCE OF THE CHAIR

Context: This motion is used if a delegate believes that the chair of the committee is not
versed in ILMUNC India conduct or procedure or if a delegate believes that the chair is
doing a poor job in running the committee. If this motion is brought to the floor, the vice
chair will determine whether or not the motion is in order; if the vice chair finds the
motion in order, he/she will continue the procedural process of questioning the
competence of the chair.
When: The motion can be used any time during formal debate.
Comment: This motion is very serious and should be considered very carefully before
use.

POINTS

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

POINT OF PARLIAMENTARY INQUIRY

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

POINT OF PERSONAL PRIVILEGE

Context: This point is used when a delegate’s ability to participate in committee is
impaired. For example, one could use this point if it is difficult to hear the speaker or it is
very cold in the room.
When: This point can be used anytime, even during another delegates’ speech.
Comment: Using too many points of personal privilege can be unproductive to the
committee, so use them very sparingly and only if the issue is truly impairing your ability
to delegate, not just if it is a touch hot. It is also looked unfavorable if this point is used
simply to interrupt or set other delegates off guard during their speeches.

POINT OF CLARIFICATION
Context: This point is used when a delegate wants to clarify a non-substantive point
(meaning grammatical, spelling, word choice, awkward phrases) in a resolution or
amendment.
When: This point should be used while or directly after a resolution or amendment has
been introduced.

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Comment: This point is only used during the introduction of a resolution or amendment.
POINT OF INFORMATION
Context: This is used when a delegate has a substantive question for a speaker during
formal debate.
When: This point can be used any time the chair says that questions are in order.

POINT OF ORDER
Context: A delegate can raise a point of order when there is a violation of the rules of
procedure. The chair will decide whether there is a violation immediately, and if there is,
then the violation is corrected or stopped.
When: This point can be used anytime, including during another delegates’ speech
Comment: A point of order is a very serious procedural matter, especially since it has the
power to interrupt other committee proceedings. Therefore, it should be used in a
responsible manner; it should only be used if a delegate is sure a rule is broken. If a
delegate is not sure if a rule is broken, or if the possibly broken rule does not affect the
committee proceedings, it could be prudent for the delegate to rephrase the question at
a more appropriate moment in the form of a point of parliamentary inquiry. Also note
that while all ILMUNC India chairs are well versed in the official rules and procedures,
they have the ability to adopt rules of debate at their own discretion. All modifications
will be announced at the beginning of the conference and delegates are encouraged to use
Points of Parliamentary Inquiry if anything is unclear.

YIELDS AND COMMENTS

YIELD TO THE CHAIR

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

YIELD TO QUESTIONS
Context: After the completion of a speakers list speech, a delegate may yield to questions.
This means that with the remaining time, the chair will call upon other delegates to ask
the delegate giving the speech questions that must pertain to the speech that was just
given.
When: After a speech on the speakers list.
Comment: The time taken for a delegate to ask the question will not be counted towards
the time remaining in the speech.

YIELD TO ANOTHER DELEGATE

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

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Comment: If the speaker intends on yielding to another delegate, he/she should be sure
that the delegate yielded to will support his/her ideas.

YIELD TO COMMENTS
Context: After the completion of a speakers list speech, a delegate may yield to
comments. This means that 2 thirty-second speeches can be made by any delegate (the
chair will call on two delegates who wish to make comments). Note that the comment
must pertain to the original speech.
When: A delegate yields to comments after a speech on the speakers list.

COMMENTS (NO YIELD REQUIRED)

Context: If a delegate fails to yield after a speakers list speech, then 2 thirty-second
comments are in order. If a speaker fails to yield, a delegate can motion to comment.
These comments can be made by any delegate in the committee (the chair will choose 2
delegates who wish to speak). Please note that the comment must pertain to the original
speech.
When: Comments are warranted after a speech on the speakers list. It might be very
intimidating to see all these different points and motions, and it seems difficult to have to
remember all the specific procedural rules. But relax and take it slowly, and it will come
much easier than expected… After a few committee sessions, you will feel like a
procedural expert!

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