CCWA MUN

Rules of Parliamentary Procedure

1 – Scope.

The rules contained in this handbook will be the official rules for the conference and will be considered adopted in advance of the session. No other rules of procedure are applicable.

2 – Rule Changes.

The Secretariat reserves the right to make any changes to these rules necessary to insure the smooth functioning of the conference, and may present them to the delegates at any time.

3 – Language.

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

4 – Laptops.

In order to give delegates the same opportunities, the use of laptops in committee is strictly prohibited.

5 – Delegations.

A. The delegation of each member state will consist of no more than two delegates in each committee.

B. Regardless of the number of delegates, each delegation has only one vote in each committee.

6 – Courtesy.

A. Delegates will show courtesy and respect to all staff and delegates.

B. Delegates will be attentive to those who hold the floor and will maintain decorum during all sessions of the conference.

C. The Assistant Chair will immediately call to order and delegates who fail to comply with this rule.

7 – Credentials.

A. The credentials of all delegations have been accepted upon registration.

B. Challenges to the credentials of any member should be addressed in writing to the Secretariat.

C. Actions relating to the modification of rights, privileges, or credentials of any member state may not be initiated without the written consent of the Secretariat.

8 – 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 resolutions or amendments.

9 – Statements of the Secretariat.

Any member of the Secretariat may make, at any time, either oral or written statements to the committee.

10 – Duties and Powers of the Chair.

The Chair will open and close each session, rule on points of order and may limit speaking time, limit the speakers' list, and decide the propriety of any procedural motion.
The Chair also has the final word on all substantive matters of the Committee.
The Chair, subject to these rules, will have complete control of the proceedings at any meeting.

11 – Duties and Powers of the Assistant Chair.

The Assistant Chair will direct discussions, accord the right to speak, put questions, and announce decisions.
The Assistant Chair will also ensure and enforce the observance of these rules, and may propose the adoption of any procedural motion to which there is no significant objection.

12 – General Directives of the Committee Staff.

The Committee Staff may advise the delegations on the possible course of debate, and may suggest any motions which would be looked upon favorably.
In the exercise of these functions, the Committee Staff will be at all times subject to these rules and responsible to the Secretariat.

13 – Appeal.

Any decision by the Chair or Assistant Chair, with the exception of those matters that are explicitly stated to be not subject to appeal, may be appealed immediately by a delegate.
The Chair or Assistant Chair may speak briefly in defense of the ruling.
The appeal will then be put to a vote, and the decision of the Chair will stand unless overruled by a simple majority of those members present and voting.
A "For" vote indicates support of the Chair's ruling; an "Against" vote indicates opposition to that ruling. The Chair's ruling will stand unless overruled by a majority of "No" votes.

14 – Withdrawing a Motion.

If the sponsor of a motion wishes to withdraw his motion, he may simply rise and notify the Chair of the withdrawal.

15 – Quorum.

The Chair may declare the Committee open when at least one-quarter of the Members are present.
The presence of a majority of the members will be required for the vote on any substantive motion.
The presence of a quorum will be assumed unless specifically challenged.
Any delegate may call for quorum if its presence is in doubt, at which point a placard count of delegates is taken.
A roll call is not required to determine the presence of a quorum.

16 – Roll Call.

All Committee meetings will begin with a roll call.
The Assistant Chair will read an alphabetized list of the countries in the committee; those delegates present will respond "Present."
Delegates arriving after the Roll Call must submit a note to the Chair informing her of their presence before they will be recognized.

Rules Governing Debate

17 – Agenda.

The first order of business for the Committee will be the consideration of the Agenda.
A motion should be made to set the order of Topics on the agenda. This motion requires a second. A Speakers List will be established for and against the motion. C. A motion to close debate will be in order after the Committee has heard two speakers for and against (or less if there are less than two speakers either for or against the motion).
In accordance with normal procedure described in Rule 22, the Assistant Chair will recognize two speakers against the motion to close debate, and a vote of a two-thirds majority is required for closure of debate on the agenda.
When debate is closed, the Committee will move to an immediate vote on the motion. A simple majority is required for passage.
If the motion fails, the other topic will automatically be placed first on the agenda.
The second Topic will be discussed once the committee has concluded voting procedures on the first Topic or when the first Topic has been tabled in accordance with Rule 21.

18 – Debate.

After the Agenda has been determined, one continuously open Speakers' List will be established for the purpose of general debate.
This Speakers' List will be followed for all debate on the Topic, except when superceded by procedural motions, amendments, or the introduction of a resolution.
Speakers may speak generally on the Topic being considered and may address any resolution currently on the floor.

19 – Caucusing.

A motion to caucus is in order at any time when the floor is open, prior to closure of debate.
The delegate making the motion must specify whether the caucus is to be moderated or unmoderated, briefly explain its purpose, and specify a time limit for the caucus, not to exceed twenty minutes.
The motion is not debatable and will immediately be put to a vote. A majority of members present is required for passage.
The Chair may rule the motion out of order and his/her decision is not subject to appeal.
In a moderated caucus, the Assistant Chair will temporarily depart from the Speakers' List and call on delegates to speak at his/her discretion.

20 – Tabling of Debate.

Whenever the floor is open, a delegate may move for the postponement or tabling of debate on the current Topic.
The motion will require a two-thirds majority to pass and will be debatable to the extent of one speaker for and one against.
No debate or action will be allowed on any resolution or amendment on which debate has been tabled.
Tabling of one Topic will imply the debate of the other Topic.

21 – 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, subject to appeal, rule such a motion dilatory.
When closure of debate is moved, the Assistant Chair may recognize up to one speaker against the motion. No speaker in favor of the motion will be recognized.
Closure of debate requires the support of two-thirds of the members present and voting.
If the Committee is in favor of closure, the Assistant Chair will declare the closure of the debate, and all resolutions or amendments on the floor will be brought to an immediate vote.

22 – Suspension of the Meeting.

Whenever the floor is open, a delegate may move for the suspension of the meeting, to suspend all Committee functions until the next meeting.
The Chair may rule such motions out of order, not subject to appeal.
This motion is not debatable, and requires a simple majority vote to pass.

23 – Adjournment of the Meeting.

Whenever the floor is open delegates may move for the adjournment of the meeting. This will suspend all Committee functions for the duration of the Conference.
The Chair may rule such motions out of order; these decisions will not be subject to appeal.
When in order, such will not be debatable but will be immediately put to the vote and will require a simple majority to pass.

Rules Governing Speeches

24 – Speakers’ List.

The Committee will have an open Speakers' List for the Topic being discussed.
Separate Speakers' Lists will be established as needed for procedural motions and debate on amendments.
A country may add its name to the Speakers' List by submitting a request in writing to the Chair, provided that country is not already on the Speakers' List. The names of the next several countries to speak will always be posted for the convenience of the Committee.
The Speakers' List for the second Topic will not be open until the Committee has opened that topic.
The General Speakers' List of a Topic may never be closed.
When the Speakers' List is exhausted, the matter on the floor is put immediately to a vote.

25 – Speeches and Time Limits.

No delegate may address a session without having previously obtained the permission of the Assistant 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 and staff.
The Chair may limit the time allotted to each speaker. The minimum time-limit will be ten seconds.
When a delegate exceeds the allotted time, the Assistant Chair may call the speaker to order.
Delegates may move to adjust the speaking time. The motion is not debatable and requires a simple majority to pass.

26 – Yields.

A delegate who has been granted the right to speak on a substantive issue (a Topic or amendment) may yield the remainder of his time to another delegate, to questions, or to the Chair.
1. When yielding to another delegate, a delegate who is yielded to may speak for the remaining time, but may not make any yields.
2. When yielding to questions, delegates who wish to ask questions of the speaker will raise their placards, and the Assistant Chair will select questioners. Only the speaker's responses will be deducted from the speaking time.
3. When yielding to the chair, the speaker's time will simply end.
Delegates speaking on procedural matters may not yield.

27 – Right of Reply.

A delegate whose personal or national integrity has been impugned by another delegate may request a Right of Reply.
The Right of Reply is to be used to respond to the statements of the speaker. It may not be used to make corresponding, insulting remarks.
All requests must be made in writing. The Chair’s decision whether to grant the Right of Reply is not subject to appeal.

Points

28 – Point of Personal Privilege.

Whenever a delegate experiences personal discomfort which impairs his/her ability to participate in the proceedings, he or she may rise to a Point of Personal Privilege to request that the discomfort be corrected.
While a Point of Personal Privilege may interrupt a speaker, delegates should use this power with the utmost discretion.

29 – Point 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 which are dilatory or improper; such a decision is not subject to appeal.
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 if the speech is not following proper parliamentary procedure.

30 – Point of Parliamentary Inquiry.

When the floor is open, a delegate may rise to a Point of Parliamentary Inquiry to ask the Assistant 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.

Rules Governing Substantive Issues

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 resolutions and need not be written in resolution format.

32 – Resolutions.

A resolution may be introduced when it receives the approval of the Chair and is signed by one-third (rounding up if necessary) of the delegations in the Committee.
1. Signing a resolution does not indicate support of the resolution, and the signer has no further obligations.
2. There are no official sponsors of resolutions.
3. The resolution must be made available to all delegates before introduction.
Introduction of a resolution is limited to reading its operative clauses. It is procedural in nature, hence yields will be considered out of order.
More than one resolution may be on the floor at any one time, and more than one resolution may be passed per Topic.
A resolution will remain on the floor until debate on that Topic has been closed. Debate on a resolution will proceed according to the Topic’s general Speakers’ List.
Resolutions require a simple majority to pass.*
1. *Exception: In the Security Council, resolutions require a simple majority in which the P5 (China, France, Russian Federation, United Kingdom, United States) have voted either “Yes” or “Abstain”.
A committee can pass as many resolutions as it wishes.
No resolutions will be accepted during the first committee session. No pre-written resolutions will be accepted.

33 – Amendments.

Delegates may amend any resolution which has been introduced.
An amendment must have the approval of the Director and the signatures of one-fifth (rounding up if necessary) of the members 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.
There are no friendly amendments.
Perambulatory clauses may not be amended.
An approved amendment may be introduced when the floor is open.
1. A majority is required for introduction of amendments.
2. General Debate will be suspended and a Speakers' List will be established for and against the amendment.
3. A motion to close debate will be in order after the Committee has heard two speakers for and against (or less if there are less than two speakers either for or against the motion).
4. Following the normal procedure of Rule 22, the Assistant Chair will recognize two speakers against the motion to close debate, and a vote of two-thirds is required for closure.
When debate is closed on the amendment, the Committee will move to an immediate vote.
A majority is needed to pass an amendment. After the vote, debate will resume according to the General Topic Speakers' List.

34 – Competence.

A motion to question the competence of the Committee to discuss a resolution or amendment is in order only immediately after the resolution has been introduced. The motion requires a majority to pass and is debatable to the extent of one speaker for and one against.

Rules Governing Voting

35 – Division of the Question.

After debate on any resolution or amendment has been closed, a delegate may move that operative parts of the proposal be voted on separately.
Perambulatory clauses and sub-operative clauses may not be removed by division of the question.
The motion is debatable to the extent of two speakers for and two against, to be followed by an immediate procedural vote on that motion.
If the motion for Division of the Question passes, the resolution or amendment will be divided accordingly, and a separate substantive vote will be taken on each divided part to determine whether or not it is included in the draft. The body will then vote on the draft as a whole.
All substantive votes in this process require a simple majority to pass.

36 – Voting.

Only delegates who have recorded as present in the latest roll call may vote. Each delegation in each committee gets one vote.
Each may vote "For" or "Against" on procedural matters, and "For," "Against," or "Abstain" on a substantive matter.
All matters will be voted on by placards except in the case of a roll call vote.
A motion that requires a simple majority passes only if the number of delegates voting in favor of the motion exceeds the number voting against. If equal numbers vote for and against, the motion fails.
A motion that requires a two-thirds majority passes only if the number of delegates voting in favor of the motion equals or exceeds twice the number voting against.
The number of abstentions will not be considered in determining the results of the vote.
Members may vote on both procedural and substantive issues; while Accredited Observers may vote only on procedural issues.
Resolutions are voted on in the order they are introduced.
After the Chair has announced the beginning of voting, no Member will interrupt the voting except on a point of order in connection with the actual conduct of voting or on a point of parliamentary inquiry.
During a vote, representatives should maintain proper decorum; no caucusing should take place, no notes should be passed, and no delegates should enter or leave the room.
No country may cast a vote by proxy or on behalf of another country.

37 – Roll Call Voting.

When the Committee is moving into voting procedures, a delegate may request a roll call vote. Such a motion may be made from the floor and requires a simple majority to pass.
The Chair may rule this motion out of order; the decision is not subject to appeal.
A motion for a roll call vote is in order only for substantive motions.
In a roll call vote, the Assistant Chair will call countries in alphabetical order starting with a randomly selected member.
1. In the first sequence, delegates may vote "For," "Against," "Abstain," or "Pass."
2. A delegate who passes during the first sequence of the roll call must vote during the second sequence.
3. The Assistant Chair will call for changes of votes, then will announce the outcome of the vote.

Precedence of Commonly Used Motions

1. Point of Personal Privilege

2. Point of Order

3. Point of Parliamentary Inquiry

4. Right of Reply

5. Caucus

6. Suspension of the Meeting

7. Adjournment of the Meeting

8. Time Limit on Speeches

9. Table Debate

10. Close Debate

11. Question Competence

12. Divide the Question

13. Introduce Resolutions

14. Introduce Amendments

Useful Information