Rules of Procedure

Chapter 1 - General Rules

Rule 1 - Scope

The regulations outlined in the Rules of Procedure remain in effect throughout the entire
conference, with the exception of instances where the Board of Dais establishes alternative
rules tailored to the committee's nature, which will always take precedence in case of
conflicts.

Rule 2 - Language

English will be the official and operational language during the conference.

Rule 3 - Delegations

Each member is entitled to one vote within the committee. Observers, classified as non-
members, possess the right to address the conference but lack voting eligibility.

Rule 4 - Power of the Chairs

The Chair is responsible for initiating and concluding each committee session. They hold the
authority to grant speaking rights, announce decisions, decide on procedural matters, and
ensure adherence to the rules. Furthermore, the Chair has the discretion to permit NGO
delegates, media personnel, or representatives of specific interest groups to address the
committee.

Rule 5 - Authority of the Board of Dais

 The Chair assumes primary control over the conference.

 In the Chair's absence, the Vice-Chair assumes their responsibilities.

 The Rapporteur oversees administrative tasks such as verifying vote counts,

maintaining the speaker list, conducting roll calls, and organizing draft resolutions
and amendments.

Rule 6 - Quorum

The Chair has the authority to announce the commencement of a Committee session
and allow discussions to commence once a minimum of two-thirds of the Member
States are in attendance. A member of the committee is defined as a representative
officially registered with the Conference. For any substantive vote, the presence of a
majority of the members is necessary. Unless explicitly contested and demonstrated to
be lacking, a quorum is presumed to be present. The verification of a quorum's
 presence never necessitates a roll call.

Rule 7 - Courtesy

Delegates are required to demonstrate courtesy and respect towards both Committee
staff and their fellow delegates. The Chair promptly intervenes if any delegate fails to
uphold this standard of behavior.

Rule 8 - Electronics

Delegates are permitted to use electronic devices, such as laptops, tablets, and
smartphones, in the committee room during formal debates or moderated caucus,
especially if they are essential for operating the Diplomacy Room.

Chapter 2 - Rules of Governing Debate

Rule 9 - Agenda Setting

This procedure serves as the default mode in committee sessions. A speakers list is
established, allowing delegates to freely deliver speeches on any aspect of the current issue.
Throughout the open debate, the floor remains open to points and motions.

Rule 10 - Debate

Following the determination of the agenda, a continuously open Speakers List is established
for general debate. This list governs all debates on the topic area, except in cases where
procedural motions, amendments, or the introduction of a draft resolution supersede it.
During debate, speakers may address the topic area under consideration and any draft
resolution on the floor. The debate concludes automatically upon the completion of the
Speakers List.

Rule 11 - Unmoderated Caucus:

Delegates may propose a motion for an unmoderated caucus at any time when the floor is
open, before the debate's closure. The motion must include a brief explanation of its purpose
and specify a time limit for the caucus, not exceeding twenty minutes. The motion is subject
to an immediate vote, requiring a majority for passage. The Chair retains the authority to rule
the motion out of order. An example of an unmoderated caucus could be:

“The delegate of Qatar would like to give a motion for an un-moderated caucus, for 15
minutes in order to discuss the issue of nuclear disarmament.”

Rule 12 - Moderated Caucus

The moderated caucus aims to facilitate substantive debate at critical junctures in the
discussion. During a moderated caucus, the Chair temporarily departs from the Speakers List
and calls on delegates to speak at their discretion. A motion for a moderated caucus can be
proposed at any time when the floor is open, before the debate's closure. The motion requires
a brief explanation of its purpose, specifying a time limit for the caucus not exceeding twenty
minutes, and individual speech time limits. The motion is immediately voted on, with a
majority required for passage. The Chair may rule the motion out of order. No motions are
allowed during a moderated caucus. If no delegate wishes to speak during a moderated
caucus, it ends immediately. An example of a moderated caucus call could be:

“The delegate of Turkey would like to raise a motion for a moderated caucus for 10 minutes,
each speaker time being 1 minute, to discuss the measures that could be taken against
global warming.”

Rule 13 – Closure of the Debate

In the course of a meeting, any participant can propose concluding the discussion, citing
reasons such as refocusing on the main topic, determining subsequent deliberations, or
revising a proposal. The Chair decides on the necessity of this proposition. If sanctioned, two
opposing speakers may contest the proposal, while no advocates are allowed. The proposal
requires agreement from two-thirds of attendees to pass. Upon majority agreement, the Chair
announces cessation of discussion, and an immediate vote ensues. If all slated speakers have
spoken, discussion ceases automatically.

Rule 14 – Suspension or Adjournment of the Meeting

During a meeting, any attendee can suggest temporarily halting (until the subsequent
meeting) or wholly adjourning (for the remainder of the conference) the session. The Chair
retains the authority to permit or disallow such suggestions, which are not subject to
challenge. If permitted, an immediate vote is conducted, unless pending suggestions warrant
precedence. A majority consensus is requisite for the suggestion's adoption. A proposal for
complete meeting adjournment cannot be entertained until a substantial portion of the time
allocated for the previous meeting has elapsed.

Chapter 3 - Rules of Governing Speech

Rule 15 - Speeches

No delegate may speak in a session without prior approval from the Chair. The Chair retains
the authority to intervene if a speaker's remarks stray from the topic under discussion or are
deemed offensive to committee members or staff.

Rule 16 - Time Limit on Speeches

The Chair has the prerogative to set a time limit for each speaker, with the minimum limit
being ten seconds. If a delegate exceeds their allotted time, the Chair may intervene
promptly.
Rule 17 - Yields

A delegate granted the floor on a substantive issue may yield in one of three ways at the end
of their speech: to another delegate, to questions, or to the Chair. Only one yield is
permissible, and it must be declared at the conclusion of the speech.

1. Yield to another delegate. The remaining time is transferred to the designated delegate.
The Chair will acknowledge the delegate for the remaining time if the yield is accepted.
Handing over the floor to a co-delegate from the same member state does not constitute a
yield.

2. Yield to questions. Questioners are selected by the Chair and limited to one question each.
Follow-up questions are at the Chair's discretion. The Chair reserves the right to reprimand
any delegate whose question is deemed rhetorical or leading. Only the speaker's answers to
questions deduct from their remaining time.

3. Yield to the chair. This yield is made if the delegate prefers not to entertain questions. The
Chair will then proceed to the next speaker. Only one yield is allowed per speech, with no
yields permitted on yielded time. Delegates must declare any yield by the conclusion of their
speech. If no yield is declared, a yield to the Chair is automatically assumed.

Rule 18 - Right of Reply:

A delegate whose personal or national integrity is challenged by another delegate may submit
a Right of Reply in writing to the committee staff. The Chair holds the discretion to grant the
Right of Reply, and a delegate awarded such right will only address the committee at the
Chair's request.

Chapter 4 - Rules of Governing Points

Rule 19 - Points of Personal Privilege

If a delegate experiences discomfort hindering their participation in the meeting, they have
the right to request a personal break. Interruption of a speaker is only permissible if the
delegate is unable to hear them, and such interruption should occur only when absolutely
necessary.

Rule 20 - Points of Order

During discussions, delegates may raise a Point of Order if they observe deviations from
proper meeting conduct. The Chair promptly adjudicates on the Point of Order based on
established rules and may dismiss any inappropriate points. When raising a Point of Order,
delegates are prohibited from discussing the current topic and from interrupting a speaker.

Rule 21 - Points of Parliamentary Inquiry

When it is their turn to speak, delegates can seek clarification on meeting rules from the
Chair using a Point of Parliamentary Inquiry. However, such inquiries should not disrupt a
speaker already addressing the meeting. Delegates with substantive questions about the topic
under discussion are advised to consult committee staff during breaks or communicate with
the relevant authorities through written notes.

Chapter 5 - Rules of Governing Points

Rule 22 - Working Papers

Delegates are encouraged to propose working papers for committee consideration, aiding in
the discussion of draft resolutions by formalizing ideas into written documents. Unlike draft
resolutions, working papers do not adhere to a specific format. Approval from the Chair is
required for copying and sharing working papers. These papers may credit contributors by
name. Once distributed, working papers are deemed introduced, without the need for voting.

Rule 23 - Signatories and Draft Resolution

A motion to present a draft resolution can proceed upon Chair approval. The required number
of signatures, contingent upon delegate presence, is announced at the conference's onset.
Signing a draft resolution signifies interest in its discussion rather than endorsement.
Signatories bear no additional responsibilities and may endorse multiple resolutions. Draft
resolutions lack official sponsors or authors.

Rule 24 - Introduction of the Draft Resolutions

Once a draft resolution garners sufficient signatures and Chair approval and is shared with
delegates, a delegate may propose its introduction. A procedural vote determines whether the
resolution should be formally introduced. Upon securing the requisite majority, the resolution
becomes available for discussion. Multiple draft resolutions may coexist. Each resolution
remains on the floor until its debate is postponed or until passage. During debates, delegates
adhere to the general Speakers' List and reference specific resolutions by assigned numbers,
refraining from mention until formal introduction.

Rule 25 - Clarificatory Points on Resolutions

The Chair may permit a delegate or group to address clarifying points concerning the
introduction of a draft resolution, or personally address such queries. These typically pertain
to minor errors in the document. The Chair's ruling on this matter is final and cannot be
contested. Substantive points are deemed inappropriate for discussion during this period. The
Chair retains the authority to conclude the clarificatory question-answer period for various
reasons, including time constraints.

Rule 26 - Amendments

Delegates possess the authority to propose changes to introduced draft resolutions through
amendments. Only one amendment may be proposed at a time. Introducing an amendment is
considered a procedural motion, entailing discussion and modification of the resolution
process.

Chapter 6 - Rules of Governing Voting

Rule 27 - Procedural Voting

Generally, all voting is categorized as procedural, except for voting on draft resolutions and
amendments. Delegates are obligated to vote on all procedural motions, and abstentions are
disallowed. For motions requiring a simple majority, more "yes" votes than "no" votes are
necessary for passage, while motions requiring a two-thirds majority need two-thirds or more
"yes" votes. If insufficient speakers express opinions for or against a motion, it automatically
fails or passes based on requirements.

Rule 28 - Substantive Voting

Significant voting occurs solely during decisions on draft resolutions and amendments. Other
votes pertain to procedural matters. Following the conclusion of the general topic debate, the
committee proceeds to the final voting phase, with the chambers closed. During this phase,
specific points and motions are considered, such as Division of the Question, Reordering
Draft Resolutions, motion for a Roll Call Vote, Point of Personal Privilege, Point of
Parliamentary Inquiry, and Point of Order. In the absence of these motions, the committee
votes on all draft resolutions. Each country is allotted one vote for substantive voting, with
options being "Yes," "No," or "Abstain." Abstentions equate to non-voting. Typically, voting
entails raising placards, but a roll call vote may be requested. To pass a resolution, a simple
majority is required, necessitating more "Yes" than "No" votes. Once a resolution passes, the
voting concludes, as only one resolution can pass on a particular topic area.

Rule 29 - Roll Call Voting

Upon the conclusion of debate on the topic area, any delegate may request a roll call vote for
any draft resolution under consideration. This motion, made by a delegate from the floor,
necessitates agreement from one-third of the committee members. Notably, a motion for a
roll call vote applies solely to the final substantive vote on a draft resolution, not to any other
voting stage.

 During a roll call vote, countries are called upon alphabetically by the Chair,
commencing with a selected member. In the first round, delegates vote either "In
favor" or "Against."

 Delegates may provide explanations for affirmative or negative votes, but not for
abstaining.

 Following the completion of the voting process, the Chair will announce the final
outcome of the vote.