Embedded Files
Flow of Debate
Flow of Debate
Roll Call
Chair calls delegates alphabetically. Delegates respond:
Present (can vote in favor, against, or abstain)
Present and Voting (can only vote in favor or against) – Cannot abstain.
Start of Debate
Chair announces debate issue: “the house will now move to a debate on the issue of.....”
Main Submitter reads operative clauses - main clauses only.
Chair sets open debate time.
Speech Main Submitter
2-minute speech followed by Points of Information
Submitter yields to Chair or another delegate (max. 2 successive yields).
Speeches on Resolution
Chair calls speakers for/against; prioritizes new speakers.
Speaker yields to Chair or another delegate.
Yielding the Floor
Yielding the Floor
After a delegate’s speech and POIs, the Chair will ask how they wish to yield the floor. Delegates may:
Yield to another delegate – Once consecutively to an ally.
Yield to the Chair – The Chair proceeds with the agenda.
Amendments
Amendments
Amendments are submitted via the Google Form.
Co-Chair selects and notifies chosen delegates.
Amendment Debate
Submitter gives speech, followed by POIs.
Other delegates speak for/against.
If there are no speeches against, the amendment automatically passes!
Voting: For, Against, Abstain (if ‘Present’ at roll call).
Passes with 50% +1 → Clapping allowed.
Debate returns to open discussion.
Voting on Resolution
Voting on Resolution
Chair announces voting, suspends note-passing, locks doors.
Votes: For, Against, Abstain (if ‘Present’ at roll call).
If close, Chair may call roll-call vote.
Resolution Passes (50% +1): Chair adjourns debate, clapping allowed.
Resolution Fails:
If 20+ minutes remain, open debate resumes for amendments.
If time is up, debate moves to the next resolution.
Points
Points
Delegates may raise points anytime by raising their placard. Points are at the Chair’s discretion and cannot interrupt a speaker, except for Points of Personal Privilege (audibility only). No seconding is required.
Types of Points:
Point of Information to the Speaker – A question for the delegate with the floor, if they accept POIs.
Asked only when the Chair invites POIs.
One question at a time; follow-ups allowed at Chair’s discretion.
Point of Information to the Chair – A question for the Chair.
Raised by stating: “Point of Information to the Chair.”
Example: “What time do we adjourn for lunch?”
Point of Order – Raised if a delegate believes the Chair made a procedural error.
Raised by stating: “Point of Order.”
Example: “Shouldn’t we be moving into voting procedures now?”
Point of Parliamentary Inquiry – A question about Rules of Procedure.
Raised by stating: “Point of Parliamentary Inquiry.”
Example: “Is it in order to refuse POIs?”
Point of Personal Privilege – Raised for personal needs.
Only interrupts a speaker if related to audibility.
Example: “Point of Personal Privilege—Audibility.”
Motions
Motions
Motions are proposed actions requiring Chair’s approval and usually a second from another delegate. If a delegate objects, the motion is out of order. Motions can be raised anytime a delegate is not speaking.
Motions at ISCMUN:
Motion to Move to Previous Question / Voting Procedures – Ends debate and moves directly to voting. Requires a second.
Motion to Follow-up – Allows a delegate to ask one follow-up question during POIs. No second required.
Motion to Extend Points of Information – Allows more POIs. Requires a second.
Motion to Extend Debate Time – Adds time for speakers or amendments. Requires a second.
Motion to Reconsider a Resolution – Calls for re-debate and re-vote on a previously decided resolution.
Only valid after all resolutions have been debated.
Requires a two-thirds majority.
Motion to Divide the House - Calls for a new vote in which delegates are not allowed to abstain from voting
This is done when there are too many abstentions.
Requires a “second” from the house.
Source: THIMUN Procedure Guide
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