Home Government:
- HOMYRA
- RAHIMI
- MUHAMMAD
- NELSON
- JADEN ?
Security Council:
- CHAIR: BEN KNIGHT
- CO-CHAIR: JEDIDAH KAPAPULA
General Assembly 1st Committee:
- CHAIR: LOUIS GRIMSHAW
- CO-CHAIR:
- SURAYA SHIRZAD
General Assembly 2nd Committee:
- CHAIR: KEVIN MARCIA
- CO-CHAIR: TAYLOR ALLEN
General Assembly 3rd Committee:
- CHAIR: SHREYA BHAKTA
- CO-CHAIR: AMMON THUTOSEI
Commission on Population and Development (CPD):
- CHAIR: FROST HUNTER
- CO-CHAIR: WADE GLOVER
MKCMUN
Model UN Committee Staff Guidance
Home Government:
Home government will perform all functions necessary for the successful conduct of the conference.
It is the responsibility of home government to answer any questions by delegates regarding MKCMUN and rules of procedure.
It will be responsible for distribution of conference materials.
Assist chairs/co-chairs with the conduct of all committee meetings.
Will make sure all committee rooms are open, that someone is at the room if the room is open and will make sure conference room doors are closed.
Home government will facilitate the typing up, copying and distribution of draft resolutions.
As a member of the MKCMUN Model UN committee staff you have the important role in determining the success or failure of the conference.
You serve two primary functions:
- Facilitating the work within the committee
- Keeping control of the committee
First and foremost you must at all times be diplomatic and cheerful. You must set the model for the delegates. You can not expect them to be diplomatic to each other if you are not diplomatic to them. You are not the boss but you are the leader. Even if a delegate is overbearing and/or obnoxious, you must keep your cool.
Duties of the Committee Staff
Committee Chair
The Chair has the overall responsibility for conducting the session and maintaining decorum. He/she has the final say on decisions about applications of the rules (in consultation with the co-chair). If the chair is uncertain about a rules interpretation, he/she should consult with the co-chair and refer to this document, the rules short form and the delegate handbook as necessary. Chairs should never guess and should assume that at least some of the delegates know the rules. If after doing the above, there is still some doubt, chairs should suspend the meeting for a few minutes and consult with the Secretary General or Faculty Advisor. It is important that we apply the rules consistently throughout the different committees.
Committee Co-Chairs
The committee co-chairs are absolutely essential in assisting the chair as follows:
- Timing delegate speeches and advising the chair when the speaker is 30 and 15 seconds from expiration of his/her time and then when the time has expired. To do this, chairs must have a watch with second hand/digits and write down the starting time of each speech.
- Tracking delegate speeches. Using the form provided, co-chairs should keep track of speakers. The goal is to ensure that each delegate has ample opportunities to speak. The form will divide speeches into substantive (opening speeches, speeches supporting or debating, etc.) and non-substantive (30 second pro/con speeches, etc.). The co-chair should enter a mark in the appropriate area on the form each time a delegate speaks. For substantive speeches the mark should be a plus for good, original speeches and a minus for speeches that offer nothing new.
- Recording motions – Since multiple motions may be received, it is essential that the staff keep track of each specific motion and provide the info to the chair when it is time to consider each motion.
- Counting placard votes and recording roll call votes – The only roll call votes permitted will be on final passage of a resolution.
- Tracking the voting process on division of the question and amendments and revising the resolutions to reflect the results.
- Advise the chair on questions concerning rules and procedures including reference to this guide, the rules short form and delegate preparation guide.
Both
- Chairs and co-chairs may shift positions if they so desire.
- Both will consult on questions of rules and procedures.
- Both will consult on selecting three best delegation and 3 honorable delegation awards.
Getting Started
The first step in any session (opening, returning from lunch, etc) is to get the delegates seated and quieted down. When you sense that most or all of the delegates are in the room, rap the gavel a couple of times and say – Delegates, please be seated and come to order so we can begin.
Once delegates are seated, the first order of business “This session is now in order.” Then you will need to take role call. You should do this at the start of each morning’s session and also at resumption after lunch. Delegates our first order of business is role call. When your country is called please answer present. Then either you or your co-chair should call the roll and indicate countries present on the roll call form.
Once roll call is complete, you should introduce yourself and your co-chair. Then say something like – Our purpose is to help you have a productive conference and make the most effective use of the limited time we have available. We want to stress that we are all diplomats. A diplomat is someone who practices diplomacy which is defined as skill in handling affairs without arousing hostility or a keen sense of what to do or say in order to maintain good relations with others or avoid offense. This means that acting diplomatically even if you totally disagree with another delegate. You may question their ideas or reasoning but not the individual or the country represented by the delegate. We will give you a great degree of leeway on many things but we will not permit personal attacks or any other form of non-diplomatic behavior.
We assume that each delegate is familiar with the rules of procedure we will be using for MKCMUN. However, if at any point you have any questions about what is happening, please don’t hesitate to raise your question as a Point of Information.
As I said, we will give you some leeway in the application of the rules. Our interest is helping you reach agreed solutions to major global problems. This means that you will be working cooperatively with other delegations. Hopefully, you will be able to develop a consensus within the committee because history has shown that consensus solutions are the most effective in obtaining cooperation between countries.
We hope that each of you will take an active role in the committee deliberations both while in formal session and also during the informal caucuses. We want to make sure that everyone desiring to do so has chances to address the committee. We will begin with a speaker’s limit of three minutes. This includes responding to Points of Inquiry. While we will accept motions to limit speaker’s time, we will not do so until everyone desiring to do so have had the opportunity to speak once. Although we are not using a speaker’s list, we will be keeping track of delegates speaking and give preference to those who have not yet had an opportunity over those desiring to speak for a second time. Our goal is to assure that every delegate has an equal opportunity to address the committee.
(The Chair will need to explain the difference between a working paper and draft resolution that has been assigned a number by the dais.)
We want to remind the body that written ideas between delegates are known as working papers. Each of you has the responsibility to work with your bloc to develop a working paper. In order to be raised for formal consideration by the committee, a working paper must have the signatures of seven sponsoring countries. Once you have obtained the required seven countries, bring the working paper to the dais for assignment of a resolution number. Only after a working paper has received a number from the chair is it considered a draft resolution. Once a working paper receives a number and becomes a draft resolution a motion can be made for its formal consideration and debated by the committee. Therefore, it is possible to have more than one draft resolution on the floor at any given time. Amendments will require the same number of signatures to be accepted. Please make sure that there has been sufficient caucusing on the draft resolution prior to bringing it for final consideration or vote. The goal is to have a comprehensive resolution that can gain the support of the maximum number of delegates or, ideally, a consensus. We encourage delegates to work together in formulating proposed or draft resolutions that will gain the support of most, if not all, of the committee.
Are there any questions?
Are there any points or motions at this time?
We have another clarification of the rules before we begin. The first order of business today will be to set the working agenda, in other words, to choose the order in which we discuss the topics before the committee.
Speaking
“Seeing no points or motions, are there any delegates wishing to address the committee? If so, please raise your placard.” Pause and look around the room. Identify one country from the right, one from the left and one from the center. “I recognize the following representatives to speak in the order indicated. I will first recognize France, followed by Germany and then Iraq. I request that each delegate speaking, stand, face the majority of the committee and speak clearly.” (Note: It is most effective to identify three speakers at a time. It reduces the time wasted on calling for speakers each time and also gives the speakers a little warning and time to prepare.)
After each speaker you should say – “Thank you honorable delegate. Are there any points or motions at this time?” If someone raises a Point of Inquiry, Your response should be to ask the speaker – “Will the honorable speaker accept points of inquiry?” If the speaker says no, then you respond to the delegate raising the point – “I am sorry but the honorable speaker does not wish to respond to questions. Thank you honorable speaker. Are there any other points or motions at this time?”
If the speaker does agree to respond, you would then say – “Delegate you may precede with your question.” The question should be addressed through the chair to the speaker; however, you do not need to repeat it unless you think others may not have heard the question. Follow-up questions are not permitted and if the questioner attempts to ask a follow-up question, you should interrupt him/her immediately and say – “I am sorry honorable delegate but follow-up questions are not permitted.”
Also, points of inquiry must be in question form and not be arguments of opposing points of view. If a delegate starts stating a position rather than asking a question, you should immediately interrupt him/her by saying – “I am sorry honorable delegate but do you have a question for the speaker?” Sometimes another delegate will raise a point of order about the same issue interrupting the questioner. If so, react as above. If the questioner persists, then you should rap the gavel and say – “I am sorry honorable delegate but that is not a question and is therefore out of order at this time. If you wish to state an opposing view, please wait until you have a chance to speak. Are there any other points or motions at this time?” You must take care of any points or motions before proceeding on to the next speaker. “Seeing none, the next speaker is the honorable representative of Germany.”
When the current list of announced speakers has all spoken, you should again ask – “Are there any delegates wishing to address the committee? If so, please raise your placard.” Once again you should choose three.
Speaker’s time limits – As said above, initially the speaker’s time will be set at three minutes. Therefore, the co-chair should note the beginning time of each speech and keep close watch on the time. The co-chair should indicate to the chair when the speaker is 30 seconds from reaching his/her time limit. The co-chair should again signal the chair when there is 15 seconds remaining at which point the chair will lightly tap the gavel signaling the speaker. If the speaker continues and reaches the time limit, the chair will pound the gavel loudly and announce – “The speaker’s time has expired.” You may permit the speaker to complete his/her sentence but not permit the speaker to continue on. Also, remember that the speaker’s time includes the time taken for points of inquiry and responses. You can allow a little leeway here to complete the answer to a point of inquiry but you may not permit additional points of inquiry after the time has expired.
The co-chair should keep track of the delegates speaking on the form provided. The goal is to allow every delegate the opportunity to speak and the chair should frequently check the list to determine those delegations that have not yet had the chance to speak and call on them first if they raise their placard.
Once every delegate has had the opportunity to speak at least once, the chair may entertain motions to limit the speaker’s time. However, we want to avoid unnecessarily large numbers of these. Also, we should not entertain motions to set the limits at less than two minutes (remember that the speaker’s time includes points of inquiry). Therefore, if and when the time is set at this limit, you should announce that no further motions will be considered to further lower the time limit. You may, however, accept motions to increase the time.
Motions
There are two general types of motions:
- Procedural – These motions pertain to the procedures and not directly to the topic under discussion. They include Points of Order, Points of Inquiry, Points of Information, Setting Limits on Debate, Suspension of the Meeting, Closing Debate, Division of the Question, and so on. The only acceptable votes on procedural motions are yes or no. Abstentions are not permitted.
- Substantive – These include votes on resolutions and amendments. The acceptable votes on these are yes, no, or abstain (also, abstain from the order on roll call votes – roll call votes only permitted on votes on final resolutions).
After each speaker you state “Are there any points or motions at this time?” Points of Order, Points of Inquiry and Points of Information should be immediately addressed/answered before proceeding to the next point or motion.
When there are other motions, you must accept all motions before voting on any of them. Most require a second (not done at NMUN but will be done here). Once you have accepted all of the motions on the floor and they have been seconded, then you bring them into consideration based on their order of priority on the rules short form. Motions failing to receive a second will not be considered.
The following is an example. Suppose you call for motions and three placards are raised. You call on the first placard and the delegate makes a motion to suspend the meeting for 15 minutes for the purpose of caucusing. You then ask if there is a second and once received you call on the next placard. Suppose this motion is to close debate, you again ask for a second. Then you recognize the third placard. Suppose this is a motion to set limits on debate (limit the speaker’s time). Again you ask for a second. You continue calling for points or motions in this manner until no more placards are raised.
Once you have accepted all of the motions, you now bring them for a vote according to their priority on the rules short form. In the above example the motion for suspension of the meeting has the highest priority so you consider this motion first. You say “the motion for suspension of the meeting for 15 minutes for the purpose of caucusing has the highest priority and will be considered first.” “If it passes, we will go into immediate suspension and will consider the remaining motions upon resumption of the formal session. This motion does not require debate. All those in favor please raise your placard. All those against please raise your placard. By a vote of 40 for and 17 against, this motion passes and the meeting is now suspended for 15 minutes.”
Once you reconvene the formal session then you announce “Delegates please come to order.” “We still have two motions on the floor, one for closure of debate and one to limit the speaker’s time to two minutes.” “The motion for closure of debate is the higher priority and will be voted on first. This motion is debatable and I will accept two speakers against the motion. Are there any delegates wishing to speak against the motion?” You look around and accept two delegates. “Iran you have 30 seconds. Syria you have 30 seconds.” Once the two speakers have spoken against the motion you then announce “Delegates this motion requires a 2/3rds majority in order to pass. That means that 45 yes votes are required for it to pass. All those who are voting yes please raise your placards. All those who are voting no. By a vote of 31 for and 37 against, this motion fails.”
“The next motion on the floor is a motion to limit the speaker’s time to 2 minutes. This motion is not debatable. All those in favor please signify by raising your placards. All those against please raise your placard. By a vote of 45 for and 23 against, this motion passes and the speaker’s time limit is now reduced to two minutes.”
Points of order
This is the only motion that can interrupt a speaker. The delegate raises his/her placard and calls out “Point of order”
Chair response – “Excuse me for the interruption honorable speaker. To what point does the honorable delegate from (country) rise?” The delegate making the point will then explain it and you as the chair must act accordingly. For example – The point might be that there is too much noise in the room to which you would respond – “There is too much noise in the room. Will those delegates talking please take your conversations outside the room” – or something similar. If the chair recognizes that there is too much background noise during a speech, he/she should rap the gavel and say – “Excuse me speaker. Delegates it is undiplomatic to carry on conversations while others are speaking. Please maintain decorum and give the speaker your attention. Thank you delegates. Speaker, I am sorry for the interruption, you may continue.” Note – Time spent on Points of Order should not be included in the speaker’s time limit.
Points of Inquiry
These come immediately at the end of a speech and are called out by the delegate. Your response should be to ask the speaker – “Will the honorable speaker accept points of information?” If the speaker says no, then you respond to the delegate raising the point – “I am sorry but the honorable speaker does not wish to respond to questions. Thank you honorable speaker. Are there any other points or motions at this time?”
If the speaker does agree to respond, you would then say – “Go ahead with your question.” The question should be addressed through the chair to the speaker; however, you don’t need to repeat it unless you think others may not have heard the question (delegates raising the points will not have microphones). Follow-on questions are not permitted and if the questioner attempts to ask a follow-on question, you should interrupt him/her immediately and say – “I am sorry honorable delegate but follow-on questions are not permitted.”
Also, points of inquiry must be in question form and not be arguments of opposing points of view. If a delegate starts stating a position rather than asking a question, you should immediately interrupt him/her by saying – “I am sorry honorable delegate but do you have a question for the speaker?” Sometimes another delegate will raise a point of order about the same issue interrupting the questioner. If so, react as above. If the questioner persists, then you should rap the gavel and say – “I am sorry honorable delegate but that is not a question and is therefore out of order at this time. If you wish to state an opposing view, please wait until you have a chance to speak. Are there any other points or motions at this time?”
Once there are either no more points of inquiry and the speaker still has time left, you should say – “Seeing there are no additional points of inquiry, does the speaker yield his/her remaining time? Are there any additional points or motions at this time?”
If the speaker’s time has expired, even though there may still be delegates wishing to raise points of inquiry, you say – “I am sorry delegates but the speaker’s time has expired. Thank you honorable speaker. Are there any additional points or motions at this time?”
Points of information
These are also signaled by delegates raising their placard and shouting out “Point of Information.” However, they are third in priority after points of order and points of inquiry; therefore, those should be taken first.
Points of information apply to questions about the rules and procedures. For example, a delegate might raise a point of information questioning rather points of inquiry are counted in the speaker’s time limit. You would respond – “Yes, honorable delegate, points of inquiry and their responses are included in the speaker’s time limit.”
The important thing about responding to questions about the application of the rules and procedures is that you take the time to be certain you are doing it right. There is nothing wrong with responding – “Will the honorable delegate please be patient while we check the procedures manual?” Find the applicable provision in the procedures handbook and read it to the group. If there is still some doubt, then you might put the committee in caucus and seek me out for a resolution.
Motions to Suspend the Meeting
Motions to suspend the meeting are usually for one of three reasons.
- Motion to suspend the meeting for the purpose of caucusing – These motions should specify a certain time length for the suspension (do not allow more then a 20 minute caucus).
- Motion to suspend the meeting for lunch
- Motion to suspend the meeting for the day
Repeat the motion and ask for a second – “The motion has been made for the suspension of the meeting for 30 minutes for the purpose of caucusing. That motion is appropriate at this time. Is there a second? Wait for second. The motion has been made and seconded, all those in favor, signify by raising your placard.” (co-chair counts votes). “All those opposed.” (co-chair counts). Note – You should not ask for or permit abstentions on a procedural vote. Co-chair tells you the vote count. “By a vote of 50 in favor and 18 against, the motion carriers (knock gavel) and we are now in suspension for 30 minutes.”
Motion for Adjournment of the Meeting
This motion is solely for the purpose of ending the entire conference. Therefore it is only appropriate at the end of the committee session prior to the closing ceremony.
Adjournment of Debate
This motion requires a second, 2 pro and 2 con speeches, and a majority vote. This would have the affect of tabling an issue or resolution, effectively removing it as a topic of discussion from the body, without voting on the topic of adjournment.
Closure of Debate
This motion ends debate on the entire issue and puts the committee into immediate voting procedure. It is debatable and requires two pro speakers and two con speakers. It also requires a 2/3rd majority to pass. Based on our total of 68 delegations, this means that a minimum of 45 yes votes are required to pass. You must do everything possible to prevent this happening prematurely. If a delegate attempts to make such a motion, you should respond along the lines of “Delegate, I think that motion is premature at this point since we have not yet fully considered the issue under discussion. We believe there is more productive work still to be done on the issue and encourage delegates to continue pursuing solutions. Therefore, we ask the honorable delegate to please reconsider and withdraw his/her motion at this time.”
If the delegate persists, then say “Delegate, I am going to declare that motion dilatory at this time. I will entertain motions to close debate when I think we have fully explored the issue.”
Limits on Debate
At MKCMUN this motion will be used only to set limits on speaker’s time and will not be used to set an overall limit on the debate of the topic. We want to limit the number of these motions. Initially, the speaker’s time will be set at three minutes and you should not accept motions to reduce that limit until you are certain that every delegate wishing to make opening speeches has had an opportunity. The goal here is to be as fair as possible. Once you are certain that every delegate wishing to do so has had the opportunity to speak at least once, you may entertain motions to limit the speaker’s time.
However, you should also refuse to accept any attempt to reduce the speaker’s time to less than two minutes. If and when that limit is reached you should announce – “Delegates, two minutes is the lowest limit I will accept; therefore, please do not waste the committee’s time by making motions to reduce the speaker’s time to less than two minutes.” However, you may entertain motions to increase the speaker’s time.
A couple of notes here:
- Speaker’s time limits include the time for responding to Points of Inquiry. You can be a little flexible here if the points seem good and are contributing to the debate. However, do not permit follow-up points of inquiry from the same delegate.
- Speaker’s time limits do not apply to pro and con speeches on debatable motions – In all cases these will be limited to 30 seconds.
Motions to limit debate are debatable and you may accept two pro and two con speakers for 30 seconds each. If you only can one pro speaker then you should only accept one con speaker. The order of speaking is pro, con, pro, and con.
Bringing Resolutions and Amendments to the Floor
We only accept draft resolutions that are developed in committee. The above opening remarks explain the process to the delegates.
Once a draft resolution has been brought to the floor for debate (only requires a motion), work may still continue on working papers and these may also be raised to the floor by the same process. Therefore, it is possible to have more than one draft resolution on the floor at any given time. Upon closer of debate each resolution will be formally voted upon. Committee chairs are to encourage delegates to work in caucus to incorporate as many of their ideas as possible into a single resolution rather than pursuing multiple resolutions that might contain conflicting provisions or so fragment support that no resolution can gain majority support. Committee chairs can walk caucus groups and encourage cooperation between delegations.
The goal is to have a comprehensive resolution that can gain the support of the maximum number of delegates or, ideally, a consensus. Therefore, as you receive draft resolutions on the dais, look for areas of commonality that you can suggest be blended into a single resolution.
Also, once a draft resolution has been brought to the floor, amendments to the resolution can be proposed. You should announce – “Delegates desiring to propose amendments to the draft resolution under consideration should obtain a draft amendment form from the dais. Please be very specific in identifying the specific changes you wish made, any clauses to be deleted, and so on. Once you have specifically spelled out your desired changes, you must then receive the support of four additional delegations before the amendment can formally be considered by the committee. Once you’ve received the required number of signatures, bring the amendment to the dais and it will be open for debate. As with draft resolutions, the proposing delegate will be granted the right to speak first in support of the amendment.”
Amendments proposed and supported by the same delegations that sponsored the draft resolution will be considered friendly amendments and will be considered to be part of the draft resolution with no further debate or vote.
Amendments proposed or sponsored by delegations different than those sponsoring the original resolution will be considered unfriendly amendments and will be open to debate and voting before being included in the resolution.
Voting
Voting procedure begins only upon passage by the committee of a motion to close debate on the issue. Once a motion to close debate has been made, seconded, debated, and passed by a 2/3rd majority of the committee you should announce – “Delegates, this closes formal debate on the issue and we are now in voting procedure.”
You should then fully explain the voting process as follows – “Delegates, we have (number) resolutions under consideration as follows (read the resolution numbers).” “We consider these resolutions in the order of their numbers, 1-1 first, 1-2 second, and so on.”
“As we consider each resolution, we will first vote on each proposed amendment, again voting in order in which the amendments were received. A majority vote approving any amendment makes it a part of the final resolution. Amendments failing to receive a majority vote will not be included in the final vote on the resolution.”
You then begin voting on the amendments. Those passing become part of the final resolution. It is very important here to keep track of which amendments pass and the changes the amendments make to the overall resolution. You should instruct delegates to annotate their copies of the resolution with any approved amendments.
Once voting has been completed on all proposed amendments, the co-chair should then read a copy of the revised resolution incorporating those approved amendments. Read slowly and clearly and insure that all delegates understand the changes.
Now you are ready to vote on the overall resolution. You announce – “Delegates we are now ready to vote on resolution 1-1 as amended. Are there any points or motions at this time?”
You may take points of information asking about voting procedures or clarifying anything about the resolution. It is very important that the delegates understand exactly what is happening so take the time to fully respond to any questions.
The only acceptable motion at this point is for division of the question.
Division of the Question
This motion can only be made during voting procedure. It occurs after completion of voting on any proposed amendments and includes any amendments approved as part of the final resolution.
You should accept all motions for division of the question before voting on any. Motions must be specific in designating which clauses are to be divided. Each motion requires a second. Once you have received all motions for division of the question, you start debate on the motions in the order in which they were received. You call for two speakers pro and two speakers con for 30 seconds each. If you only receive on pro speaker, then you only accept one con speaker. The order of speaking is pro, con, pro, and con. Once the pro and con speaking is completed, you reiterate the proposed division and then vote on the division.
Note that this vote only decides rather the clause is to be divided out and not rather it is accepted or rejected.
You follow the same procedure for each of the remaining division motions.
Once you have voted on all division motions, you must now vote an acceptance or rejection of the specific clauses for which the division motion was approved. You should say something like – “Delegates, you have approved dividing out operative clause 3 of resolution 1-2.” “We will now vote on whether that clause is accepted or rejected. Please understand that a yes vote means that you want that clause to remain a part of the final resolution. A no vote means that you do not want that clause to appear in the final resolutions. All those voting yes to keep the clause, please raise your placards. All those voting no to reject the clause, please raise your placards. By a vote of 40 for and 28 against, the clause passes and will remain part of the final resolution (or by a vote of 28 for and 40 against, the clause fails and will be removed from the final resolution).”
You repeat the above for each clause for which a division motion was approved.
Again, it is very important that the co-chair annotate the resolution under consideration to reflect the results of these votes.
Division of the Question Diagram
| Motion to Divide Consider clause(s) separately from the rest of a resolution |
| Procedural Vote Requires simple majority |
| PASS | FAIL | |
| | Clause(s) are separated out and the committee moves on to a substantive vote on the division. (The resolution is now divided into 2 pieces) |
| Clause(s) are not separated and the committee moves on to the next motion for division. |
|
| Substantive Vote Requires simple majority |
||
| PASS | FAIL | |
| Clause(s) are approved by the committee and become an annex to the original resolution. | Clause(s) are discarded and are no longer any part of the resolution | |
Voting on the Final Resolution (s)
Once voting has been completed on all proposed amendments and all motions to divide the question, it is now time to vote on the final resolution.
The chair should read the revised resolution incorporating any approved amendments and deleting any clauses approved under the division of the question process. Read it slowly and clearly and insure that all delegates understand the contents.
Roll call votes – Once this is done, you take the final vote. This is the only time you may entertain motions for a roll call vote. This motion requires a second, but does not require a vote.
Consensus votes – If you sense that the resolution has wide support, you may say something like – “I sense a wide degree of support for this resolution and a motion to accept it by consensus might be in order at this time.” If it is so moved and seconded, then asked if there are any no votes. Even a single no vote defeats the motion for consensus and you proceed with regular voting. If there are no “no” votes, then say something like – “Seeing no votes against, this resolution is passed by consensus and I commend the delegates for their excellent work in developing a solution agreeable to all.”
If consensus is not possible then you move into formal voting. Acceptable votes are: yes, no, and abstain. If there is a motion for a roll call vote, you may also permit a response of “abstain from the order.” You then proceed through the roll call. Once you have completed the initial roll call, you then go back and call on any country that abstained from the order, explaining that they cannot abstain from the order a second time but must now vote either yes, no, or abstain. If there is no motion for roll call vote, then do a normal placard vote with choices of yes, no, and abstain.
Once the vote is completed, announce the results – “Delegates by a vote of 40 yes, 18 no, and 10 abstentions, this resolution passes.”
To pass, resolutions must have a majority of the total yes and no votes (abstentions don’t count). A tie vote defeats the resolution.
This completes action on that resolution and is the only time that the delegates may applaud.
You now move on and consider the next resolution, using the same process and continue until the voting process is completed on all resolutions.
Once the voting process is completed, you should announce – “Delegates, this completes action on all resolutions on this issue. Are there any points or motions at this time?”
At this point there are only two acceptable motions:
- A motion to reopen debate on the issue – I didn’t put this either on the rules short form or in the delegate handbook but you might suggest it if there is still significant time left in the committee schedule, saying something like – “Delegates, we congratulate you on the work you have done thus far but there is still significant time remaining in our committee schedule. Are you certain that you have fully exhausted debate on the issue?” “We realize that the rules you have been provided do not include any provision to reopen debate once it has been closed; however, we have been instructed that we can entertain such a motion if there is sufficient time remaining for productive debate.” “Therefore, we will entertain such a motion if any delegate wishes to so move. Any such motion will require a second and will be debatable with two pro and two con speakers. Does any delegate wish to make such a motion?”
- A motion for adjournment of the meeting – This will end the committee session. – “Delegates, the time for this committee session has expired.” “We thank you all for your excellent work and the spirit of cooperation you have shown.” “We will now entertain a motion to adjourn the meeting so we can prepare for the closing ceremony.” Is there any delegate wishing to make such a motion? Is there a second? All those in favor, signify by raising your placard. All those against. By a vote of 60 for and 8 against, this meeting is adjourned.
MKCMUN Short Form Rules
| Rule | Second | Debatable | Vote Required |
Interrupt Speaker |
Description |
| Point of Order | No | No | None | Yes | Used to point out a misuse of the rules |
| Point of Information | No | No | None | No | Ask any rules or non-rules related question of the chair, or gain a clarification |
| Point of Inquiry | No | No | None | No | Ask a question of a speaker at the end of their speech, prior to their yielding the floor |
| Suspension of the Meeting | Yes | No | Majority | No | Recess the meeting for a specific period of time – often for caucus |
| Adjournment of the Meeting | Yes | No | Majority | No | End the meeting |
| Adjournment of Debate | Yes | 2 Pro 2 Con |
Majority | No | Has the effect of tabling any issue open to debate without a vote on the issue |
| Closure of Debate | Yes | 2 Pro 2 Con |
2/3 Majority | No | Ends debate on any issue open to debate and brings it to an immediate vote |
| Set the Working Agenda | Yes | No | Majority | No | Set the order for the Working Agenda |
| Changing the Order of Consideration of Agenda Items | Yes | No | Majority | No | Change the order in which agenda items are discussed. |
| Limits on Debate | Yes | 2 Pro 2 Con |
Majority | No | Impose (or repeal) a limit on the length of any form of debate |
| Division of the Question | Yes | 2 Pro 2 Con |
Majority | No | Divide a resolution or amendment into 2 or more clauses, each to be voted on separately after closure of debate |
| Consideration of Amendments | No | No | None | No | Bring an amendment to the floor for decision |
| Consideration of Resolutions | Yes | No | None | No | Consider a resolution that has the requisite number of signatures |
Amendment Tracking Form
| Res # _______ | Res # ________ | ||
| Amen letter______ | Order on Floor____ | Amen letter______ | Order on Floor____ |
MKCMUN
AMENDMENT FORM
Resolution Number: __________________ Submitting Country: _________________
The following form must be filled out in submitting amendments.
If the proper form is not filled out, the amendment will not be considered.
Your amendment will take one of the following forms. Fill out the section that pertains to your form of amendment.
AMENDMENT TO SUBSTITUTE
Delete lines – words – phrase _______________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
In their place substitute ___________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
AMENDMENT TO DELETE
Delete lines – words – phrase _______________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
AMENDMENT TO ADD
Add lines – words – phrase _________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
To (position in amended document) __________________________________________
The amended portion of the document should now read ___________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
MKCMUN Rules in order of Precedence:
Suggested explanation, usage, and President Dialogue for the Security Council.
While the Majority of these rules are also used for the General Assembly and ECOSOC, because of its special status in the United Nations, the Security Council does have special rules.
**Quorum: A quorum is needed to conduct any business in the UN—particularly to begin business or to take votes. In the General Assembly and ECOSOC, a quorum consists of 2/3 of its member. In the Security Council, all 15 member states must be present before the session may be started. However, once the meeting has begun, it is not necessary for all members to be present to vote.
**Voting: Because of the special nature and importance of the Security Council, all votes, substantive or procedural, must be passed by a with 9 in favor. I.e. a “majority vote” in the Security Council is 9 yes votes. The consent of the five permanent members (P5) is only required on substantive issues. And the “veto” is only considered to have been used if the resolution, etc. would have passed without the “no” vote from one of the P5.
Sample dialogue: describing the first vote: “Representatives, please note that this resolution will require nine votes for passage, including the consent of the five permanent members. If it does not receive nine votes for passage, or if one of the five permanent members votes “no”, the resolution will fail. Is everyone clear on this issue?”
If a resolution fails because of a veto, (for example, a “no” vote by France): “Thank you representatives. With a vote on the resolution of 10 in favor, 4 opposed, and 1 abstention, the resolution fails doe to lack of consent of the permanent members.”
**Presidential Statements: This is a form of statement used by the Security Council to address the body’s thoughts and work on an issue without passing a resolution. The Presidential Statement, while technically written by the president, is drafted and adopted by the entire body. The presidential statement is drafted during a consultative session (SEE CONSULTATIVE SESSION below). Once the body has moved back into formal session, the president asks if there is any objection to the presidential statements. If there is none, the statement is adopted by consensus (SEE ADOTION BY CONCENSUS below). NOTE: because it is a less formal statement than a resolution, if a member wishes to abstain from a presidential statement, it is not necessary for them to objection to adoption by consensus.
**Adoption by Consensus: moved once the body has moved into voting procedures on a resolution, it is the strongest backing that the Security Council can give a resolution. While technically in order in all of the UN bodies, it is a unanimous adoption of a resolution, and is most often possible during simulation, only in the SC. A representative would object to adoption by consensus if he/she were planning to abstain of vote no on the resolution. A representative denotes his/her objection by raising their placard when the president calls for objection.
Sample Dialogue: A representative, once closure of debate has passed, and all amendments have been voted on, moves for “adoption by consensus.” The President states “Thank you representative. There is a motion on the floor to adopt resolution (#) by consensus. Are there any objections?” If there are, the president would then move into voting on the resolution. If there is no objection, then the president announces that the resolution has been adopted by consensus.
Point of order: Point of order is the only motion that interrupts the speaker, and because of this must be “called out” by the representative by raising their placard and saying “Point of Order.” It is only used to point out a misuse of the rules.
Usage: a significant problem is the misuse of a Point of Order. Any representative who raises a point of order and does not have a valid point of order should immediately be ruled out of order. Some exception should be given at the beginning of the session, as questions concerning the rules will arise. NOTE these are not points of order but points of information and do not interrupt the speaker.
Point of Information: This point is used to ask questions of the chair concerning the proceedings. The representatives should be encouraged by the chair to use Point of Information any time they have a question about the session, unless it would interrupt the speaker. Because this Point is of higher precedence that other motions (except Point of Order) this should also be “called out” by the representative raising his placard and saying “Point of Information.”
Point of Inquiry: This point is used to ask questions of the representative who has just given a substantive speech. Because it is of higher precedence, it must be called out (i.e. a representative will say “Point of Inquiry” once the speaker has concluded his/her remarks, but before the representative has yielded the floor to the chair.
Usage: this is an extremely formalized way of asking questions. The question must be directed through the chair, for example, after the representative who has the floor notes that he/she will accept questions, the rep. Calling for a “point of inquiry” would say something like “Madame chair, would you please direct my question to the representative from [country name],” and then proceed with the question. Assuming there are no limits on debates set, a representative may accept as many points of inquiry as they wish, and may refuse to answer any of all questions asked.
Suspension of the Meeting: #does not require a second, is not debatable, and requires a majority vote. It is used for the purpose of recessing the meeting for a specific period of time (which must be enumerated by the representative making the motion), and is often used for the purpose of caucusing.
Usage: Remember that it is within the chair’s authority to suggest a change in time for a suspension of the meeting based on time left for the meeting, the length of caucusing that has just occurred, etc. The chair would do this if they felt the time was too long or too short, or may suggest another time for the motion.
Sample Dialogue: if the chair feels the time is too long: “Representative, while I realize there are many issues to discuss, the Chair feels an hour{or whatever length has been suggested}may be too long a suspension at this time. Would {30 minutes} be acceptable?” If the representative responds yes, continue with the vote. If the Representative responds no, consider a straw poll of the other Representatives. “Representative, I’d like to suggest a straw poll on the time to see what the Committee/Council thinks. Would you prefer {1 hour}? Thank you Representatives.” After the straw poll, continues as the Representatives dictate.
Adjournment of the Meeting: #does not require a second and a majority vote. This is only used at the conclusion of the committee/council session, not at the end of each day’s session. The Chair should always refuse to accept the motion if it is not near the scheduled close of the session. This is a case where the values of the simulation to all of the Representatives cannot take precedence over the wishes of a vocal minority.
Sample Dialogue: If a Representative moves adjournment of the meeting before the slotted time: “Representative, that motion is out of order at this time. A motion for adjournment of the meeting is only in order at the close of business for the session, and we still have a significant amount of time remaining before we are scheduled to close at {state time}.
Adjournment of Debate: #does not require a second, and is debatable, and a majority vote. This would have the affect of tabling an issue or resolution, effectively removing it as a topic of discussion from the body. With one issue on the agenda, this is not a vital motion to have in the XMUN rules, but might be considered as it is a way to end the discussion on a resolution without bringing it to a vote.
Closure of Debate: #does not require a second, is debatable. This motion may be made at any time and has the affect of bringing all resolutions and amendments that are currently on the floor, as well as any that have been adjourned, to an immediate vote. This voting starts with the amendments in reverse order to what they were brought to the floor.
Sample Dialogue: “A motion has been make for the Closure of Debate on the draft resolution 2/I/3. The chair is now looking for to Representatives wishing to speak against Closure of Debate.” (Call on two placards, then gives each representative time to speak) “Now we will vote on Closure of Debate on the resolution.” (If this passes, then the committee moves into voting procedures, which should be clearly explained to the delegates, if it fails, the committee/council remains in debate of that issue.)
**Consultative Session: #debatable motion; this is a motion that is moved by a representatives and must included the time limit for the session. This is a tool used to conduct an informal debate where the members remain around the table, and are allowed an open debate of any topic, and are allowed to have a back and forth discussion. The president reserves the right to move the council back into formal session at any time, but should only do so without objection. The members of the council may also extend or shorten their time in the Consultative Session, as long as there is no objection.
Presidential statements are drafted and agreed upon during this time
Set the Speakers Time: #does not require a second, is debatable. When this motion is made, the representative must dictate how long he would like to set the speaker’s time. Once the speakers have been chosen and have been given the opportunity to speak, the chair will take a vote on the subject. Any previous Speakers time will be altered or thrown out (depending on the current motion) if this motion passes.
Division of the Question: #does not require a second, is debatable. (Multiple divisions are not permitted on the same resolution) A motion for division of the question can be made at any time during debate on the resolution, and is an appropriate motion during the “pregnant pause” once the committee/council has moved into voting procedures. When making this motion, the representative must state which specific parts of the resolution they wish to divide. If this motion passes, then the body will vote on the pieces of the resolution separately, starting with the part that was divided, then the resolution as a whole. NOTE: there must be at least one perambulatory and one activating clause in order to be a resolution, if division of the question passes and there is no longer a legal resolution, the voting is finished.
Sample Dialogue: “A motion has been made to divide the question, {voting activating clauses 1 and 2 separately from the rest of the resolution, this motion requires a second. (Finding one) “I am now looking for two speakers opposed, and two speakers in favor of this motion.” (Finding them and letting them speak.) “We will now move into an immediate vote on closure of debate. To clarify, Representatives, a yes vote, upon closure of debate on the resolution, would cause the body to vote separately on {clauses 1 and 2} followed by a vote on the rest of the resolution. If either of both parts of the resolution passes, we would then move to third vote on the resolution as a whole.
Consideration of Amendments: requires no second, no debate and no vote. This motion will immediately bring the amendment to the floor and is done by the representative stating “{Delegation Name} move Amendment {a} to the floor. The amendment must first be submitted to, approved by, and assigned a letter by the chair. The amendment must be for the resolution on the floor, and as many amendments as the Representatives see fit to bring to the floor are allowed at a time.
Consideration of Resolutions: ##requires no second, and a majority vote. This motion will immediately bring the resolution to the floor for consideration and open debate by the body. The resolution must first be submitted to, approved by, and assigned a number by the chair. Once the resolution is on the floor, it is up for open debate until closure of debate on the resolution passes. As many resolutions as the representatives see fit to bring to the floor are allowed at a time.
**Party to the Dispute: this allows for the participation of non-council members in the discussion of the body. When a motion for a “party to the dispute” is requested, it is necessary that the representative state what debating rights if any the guest representative will have and the length of time that guest will be in the body. (Note that while the party to the dispute is often given full speaking and debating rights within the body, they will never have the right to vote, or to make motions.)
** Denotes a rule that is unique to the Security Council
# Denotes a rule that differs in usage for the Security Council
| Rule | Second | Debatable | Vote Required |
Interrupt Speaker |
Description |
| Quorum | – | – | – | – | All 15 member countries must be present |
| Voting | – | – | – | – | 9 votes required for majority. A no vote by any of the 5 permanent members on a substantive issue vetoes the resolution |
| Presidential Statement | – | – | – | – | Expresses council’s thoughts without passing a formal resolution. |
| Adoption by Consensus | – | – | – | – | Unanimous adoption |
| Point of Order | No | No | None | Yes | Used to point out a misuse of the rules |
| Point of Information | No | No | None | No | Ask any rules or non-rules related question of the chair, or gain a clarification |
| Point of Inquiry | No | No | None | No | Ask a question of a speaker at the end of their speech, prior to their yielding the floor |
| Suspension of the Meeting | No | No | Majority | No | Recess the meeting for a specific period of time – often for caucus |
| Adjournment of the Meeting | No | No | Majority | No | End the meeting |
| Closure of Debate | No | Yes | Majority | No | Ends debate on any issue open to debate and brings it to an immediate vote |
| Consultative Session | No | Yes | Majority | No | Informal debate. Must include time limit. |
| Set the Working Agenda | No | Yes | Majority | No | First order of business at the beginning of each day. |
| Add an item to the Working Agenda | No | Yes | Majority | No | Add a new topic to the bottom of the Working Agenda |
| Change the order of Consideration of Agenda | No | Yes | Majority | No | Bring an item already in the agenda to the floor for substantive debate |
| Set the Speaker’s Time | No | Yes | Majority | No | Set or change the speakers’ time limit |
| Division of the Question | No | Yes | Majority | No | Divide a resolution or amendment into 2 or more clauses, each to be voted on separately after closure of debate |
| Consideration of Amendments | No | No | None | No | Bring an amendment to the floor for decision |
| Consideration of Resolutions | No | No | Majority | No | Consider a resolution that has the requisite number of signatures |
| Party to the Dispute | – | – | – | – | Requests participation by nonmember of the Security Council |
