- Part I: General Rules
- Part II: The Dais
- Part III: Delegations
- Part IV: The Committee
- Part V: Debate
- Part VI: Speeches
- Part VII: Parliamentary Points of Procedure
- Part VIII: Substantive Proposals
- Part IX: Precedence
- Part X: Voting Bloc
- Part XI: Specialized Committee Rules
1. Scope
These rules shall apply to all regular sessions, and all meetings of the Davis Model United Nations Conference for all committees. These rules are self-sufficient and no other rules shall apply, unless otherwise stated in the supplemental rules for specialized agencies. In situations not covered by the rules, the Secretariat shall constitute the final authority, through the Dais and Committee Chair.
2. Language
English shall be the official and working language of the conference. Delegates wishing to use any other language must provide translation. It is expected that delegates will refer to themselves are representatives of their respective Member States or other Bodies.
3. Officers and Staff
a. Appointments
The Secretary-General shall appoint a Director-General, the Undersecretaries-General, Dais Officers, and all other staff required for the conference.b. Secretariat
Of these Officers-General and essential staff, a Secretariat shall be formed which will function as the administrative body of the conference.c. Authority of the Secretary General
The Secretary-General shall have the ultimate authority over the conference and may, at any time, designate a member of the Secretariat to act in his or her authority. Only the Secretary-General, or a duly appointed representative, may declare the Davis Model United Nations Conference as in session, or closed for the term.
4. Statements by the Secretariat
The Secretary-General or any member of the Secretariat may, at any time, make oral or written statements to a committee.
5. Composition
Each committee shall have a Dais, as designated by the Secretariat. Individually or collectively, the Dais shall have the capacity to hold the office of the Chair. This status shall be transferable to other committee officers. In Plenary Committees, this officer shall be known as the President.
6. Duties
The Dais shall be responsible for maintaining the Speakers' List, recording the Roll Call at the beginning of each committee meeting, recording the results of all votes in the committee, and if appropriate, scoring delegates on performance.
7. Competence
The competence of the Dais may not be questioned by the members of the committee. However, an Undersecretary-General responsible for Committees and Chairs, with the advice and consent of the Secretary-General, may remove any member of the Dais if necessary. The committee members may approach the Secretariat if they so desire.
8. Addressing the Dais
During any debate, all speeches will address the Dais. Language should be formed to address comments and questions to the Dais. Questions for other delegates raised under a Point of Information shall be directed towards the Dais, who in turn will recognize the relevant delegate. That delegate in turn will address their response to the Dais.
9. Powers
After the Secretariat, the Chair shall be the final authority in each committee. The Chair shall declare the opening and closing of each meeting, direct discussion, recognize the right to speak, equitably and objectively recognize points and motions, put questions to a vote, announce decisions, ensure the observation of these rules, and rule on disputed points. At any time, the Chair may propose the adoption of a procedural motion without a vote by the body.
a. Statements by the Chair
The Chair may make statements to the committee openly on relevant issues, and may do the same privately with individual delegates at any time.b. Dilatory Rulings
The Chair may rule on any point or motion as in order, out of order, or dilatory. A dilatory ruling is a procedural condemnation of a motion as attempting to thwart the will of the committee.
10. Appealing the Decision of a Chair
Any decision of the Chair, with the exception of those specifically excluded from this rule, is subject to appeal by a member of the committee. If a motion is made to appeal a decision, the Chair may speak briefly in defense of the ruling. The motion to appeal shall then be put to a vote, and the decision of the Chair shall stand unless overruled by a two-thirds (2/3) majority of members of committee present. An appeal is not subject to appeal.
11. Rights
Each member of committee shall be represented by one voting delegate on each committee. Only one person may hold speaking and voting rights for the delegation in that committee at any given time.
12. Credentials
The credentials of all delegations are considered upon registration. Properly accredited delegations will be accorded the rights above, and will be considered a member of the committee they are represented in.
13. Non-Member States / Observer Delegations
A representative of a State that is not a member of the United Nations, or a representative who holds observer status, shall have the same rights as a full member except that he or she may not vote on substantive matters.
14. Roll Call
At the beginning of each meeting, the Dais shall proceed to take Roll Call. Each delegation will be called upon in alphabetical order, and may respond with “Present” or “Present and Voting”.
a. Present and Voting
A delegation that has pronounced itself “Present and Voting” has waived its right to abstain during voting on substantive matters.b. Absence from Initial Roll Call
If a delegation is not present at the time the Roll Call is taken, it is expected to pass a note to the Dais once it arrives detailing their voting status.c. Observers and Non-Member States
A Non-Member State or Observer Delegation shall respond with “Present and Not Voting” to denote their status for substantive matters.
15. Quorum
The Chair may declare a meeting open and permit debate when at least one quarter (1/4) of the members of the committee are present. The presence of a majority of the committee shall be required for any substantive votes to be taken.
a. Lack of Quorum
If Quorum is not attained, the Chair may wait for twenty minutes and, if Quorum is still not attained, the committee shall be dismissed for the remainder of the committee session. Remaining committee members may be re-accredited to other committees or delegations by the Secretariat, with the consent of the delegation advisor.
b. Verification of Quorum
After the initial Roll Call to each committee meeting, a Quorum shall be assumed to be present unless specifically shown to be absent. Any delegate may rise under a Point of Order for a Verification of Quorum. The Chair will then initiate a Roll Call. The Chair may rule this motion out of order; the decision is not subject to appeal.
16. Definition of Majorities
a. Simple Majority
A simple majority is achieved when there are more votes in favor than opposed.
b. Two-thirds (2/3) Majority
A two-thirds (2/3) majority is achieved when there are at least two (2) votes in favor for each vote opposed.
c. Consensus
A consensus is achieved when there are no opposing votes.
17. Procedural and Substantive Voting
All matters and proposals shall be classified as “procedural” or “substantive”. Substantive proposals are defined as motions and documents not pertaining to the procedural functioning of the committee. These include press statements, Working Papers, Draft Resolutions, Amendments and Resolutions.
a. Procedural Voting
For procedural matters, each delegation has the obligation to vote. Only votes of "yes" or "no" shall be in order, normally through a show of placards. A motion for a Roll Call Vote on procedural matters is never in order. On motions that require two (2) speakers for and two (2) against, if there is only one willing speaker for either side, then the other side shall also be limited to one.
b. Substantive Voting
Rules for voting on substantive matters are contained in Part X, Voting Bloc.
18. Agenda
The agenda refers to the order in which the committee shall discuss the topics. The first order of business for the committee shall be the consideration of the agenda. Only topics on the provisional agenda provided by the Dais shall be considered, except in committees designated by the Secretariat as crisis committees, or other committees with open agendas. Debate will be conducted in speeches, as detailed in Part VI. The Speakers’ List in this portion of debate shall be considered the provisional Speakers’ List.
a. Adopting the Agenda
A delegate can propose to adopt the agenda as is. This motion requires a simple majority to pass. If this motion fails, debate will continue in the provisional Speakers’ List.
b. Reordering the Agenda
A delegate can propose to reorder the agenda. The Chair will then accept suggestions for a new agenda order. The body will then vote on the proposals in the order they were submitted. The first proposed agenda that passes will nullify all other proposals. This requires a simple majority to pass. If all proposals for reordering the agenda fail, the agenda will be considered as set at the original order provided by the Dais, and debate will begin on the first topic.
c. Completing Agenda Topics
Once an agenda topic has been tabled or all proposals concerning the topic have been voted upon, the Chair shall begin a new Speakers’ List for the next topic. If there are no other topics currently on the agenda, the Chair will return to the provisional Speakers’ List to allow consideration of what shall be the next item on the agenda.
19. Suspension of Debate
Delegates can move for a Suspension of Debate for the purpose of either a Moderated or Unmoderated Caucus. A caucus allows for a more informal debate. A suspension of Debate is in order at any point prior to Closure of Debate, and immediately after the Speakers’ List has been exhausted. The delegate moving for the Suspension of Debate must briefly explain the purpose of the motion, and specify a time limit for the Suspension. The time limit is subject to approval from the Chair. These motions require a simple majority to pass, and are not debatable.
a. Moderated Caucus
If this motion passes, the Chair shall depart from the Speakers’ List and call on delegates at his or her discretion to speak for the allotted time. The delegate moving for a moderated caucus must specify a time limit on speeches during the moderated caucus. The time limit is subject to the approval of the Chair.
b. Unmoderated Caucus
If this motion passes, the Chair shall depart from the Speakers’ List, and allow the committee to informally discuss the topic in whatever manner the committee sees fit. The Chair retains the power to call to order any act that seeks to disrupt committee proceedings.
20. Adjournment of Debate
a. Tabling the Topic
A motion to adjourn (table) debate on a topic may be used to end debate on a given substantive issue without having voted on a Resolution. The Chair may rule such a motion out of order. If the motion is in order, the Chair may recognize two (2) speakers for and two (2) against the motion, after which the motion is put to an immediate vote requiring a two-thirds (2/3) majority to pass. If the motion passes, debate on the tabled item or topic is stopped and the item is put aside without further actions or votes of any kind. Committee will proceed according to Rule 18 c.
b. Reintroducing the Topic
The Chair may entertain a motion to reintroduce the adjourned topic. A motion to resume debate on a tabled item requires a two-thirds (2/3) majority to pass and shall be debatable to the extent of one (1) speaker for and one (1) against. If this motion passes, debate is resumed on the tabled topic, in the order on the reintroduced Speakers’ List.
21. Closure of Debate (Moving into Voting Bloc)
Closure of Debate refers to ending debate, and moving to voting bloc. A delegate may, at any time during debate, move for closure of debate on substantive matters under discussion. The Chair may rule such a motion out of order. If the motion is ruled in order, the Chair may recognize up to two (2) speakers for and two (2) speakers against. This requires a two-thirds (2/3) majority to pass. If the motion passes, the committee will move into Voting Bloc. If the Speakers’ List is exhausted, this motion is invoked automatically, with no need for a vote. Before voting procedure begins, a delegate may motion for a Suspension of Debate.
22. Speeches
No delegate may address the committee, through the Dais, without having obtained the permission of the Chair. The Chair may call a speaker to order if his or her remarks are not relevant to the subject matter under discussion. A speech may not be interrupted by another delegate, unless that delegate is rising under a Point of Personal Privilege or a Point of Order. Speeches will be conducted in the order of the Speakers’ List.
23. Speakers’ List
a. Opening Speaker’s Lists
A delegate may request to open a Speakers’ List for determining topic order (the provisional Speakers’ List) or at the opening of debate on a topic. This motion is automatic. Once the list is opened, the chair will add those delegates wishing to speak. Any other requests to be added to the Speakers’ List shall be submitted to the Dais by written note. The Dais shall keep and maintain all Speakers’ Lists.
b. Exhausting Speaker’s Lists
Exhaustion of a Speaker’s List during Agenda-setting will no nothing; delegates will continue discussion until an Agenda is agreed upon. Exhaustion of a Speaker’s List during Debate will automatically close debate, in accordance with Rule 22.
24. Time Limit on Speeches (Speaking Times)
The default speaking time for a committee will be decided upon by the Chair. When a speaker exceeds the allotted time, the Chair will call the speaker to order. A member of the committee may move to set a different time limit on speeches. Such a motion requires a simple majority to pass. Multiple suggestions for time limits may be posed, and will be voted upon in the order they were received. The first suggested time limit that passes will render all other suggestions null. The Chair may rule such a motion, or any unreasonable suggestion out of order. The Chair may limit the time allowed to each speaker as agreed upon by the committee.
25. Closure of the Speakers’ List
A delegate may, at any time, move for closure of the Speakers’ List. The Chair may rule such a motion out of order. This motion requires a simple majority to pass and is debatable to the extent of one (1) speaker for and one (1) speaker against. If the motion passes, no new speakers shall be added to the list. Once the Speakers’ List has been exhausted, debate is closed and committee will automatically proceed according to Rule 22. A delegate may motion to reopen the Speakers’ List in the same manner, if it has been closed.
26. Yields
A delegate may yield the remainder of their time on a speech. If a delegate yields, comments will not be allowed for that speech. The speaker may yield in one of the following ways:
a. To the Chair
Debate will then proceed to the next speaker on the Speakers’ List.
b. To Questions (Points of Information)
The speaker will answer relevant questions from the floor if the speaker's time is not exhausted. Delegates with questions shall raise their placards under a Point of Information and wait to be recognized by the Chair. The Chair shall have the right to call to order any delegate whose question is, in the opinion of the Chair, rhetorical or leading and not designed to elicit information. Only the speaker's answer to the question shall be counted against the remaining speech time. Follow-up questions and cross debate shall be out of order.
c. To Another Delegate
The delegate yielded to may speak for the remaining time, but may not yield it to the Chair, to any other delegate, including the original speaker, or to Points of Information. The speech will not allow for comments.
27. Comments
When a substantive speech involves no yields, any delegate may comment on that speech. The content of comments must pertain solely to the preceding speech. The Chair shall call to order a speaker whose comment does not pertain solely to the preceding speech.
28. Number of Comments and Comment Time
The default number of comments, and comment time will be decided upon by the chair. A member of the committee may move to set a time limit and a number of comments in the same manner as speaking time, including the nullification process. Such a motion requires a simple majority to pass. The Chair may rule such a motion or any unreasonable suggestion out of order.
29. Right of Reply
A delegate who feels that his or her personal or national integrity has been impugned by another delegate may request a Right of Reply immediately after the other delegate's remarks have been completed. Disagreement with a speaker's remarks does not justify a Right of Reply. The Chair recognizes a delegate's request for a Right of Reply at his or her discretion; such a decision is not subject to appeal. It is expected that a Right of Reply will remain civil and attempt to defend the integrity of the insulted delegate. The Dais may also limit the time allowed for a Right of Reply. A Right of Reply to a Right of Reply is out of order. This point may not interrupt a speaker.
PART VII: PARLIAMENTARY POINTS AND PROCEDURES
30. Point of Personal Privilege
A delegate may rise under a Point of Personal Privilege during the discussion of any matter when his or her ability to participate in the proceedings is in any way impaired. The Dais shall attempt to remove the cause of the impairment. This point may interrupt a speaker.
31. Point of Order
A delegate may rise under a Point of Order to complain of improper parliamentary procedure. The Chair will immediately rule on the Point of Order. That ruling is immediately binding on all members of committee. The Chair shall rule out of order any points which he or she finds dilatory or improper; such a decision is not subject to appeal. A Point of Order may interrupt a speaker. The delegate rising to a Point of Order may not speak on the topic of discussion.
32. Point of Parliamentary Inquiry
A delegate may rise under a Point of Parliamentary Inquiry if he or she has a question for the Dais regarding the rules of procedure. Points of Parliamentary Inquiry can neither interrupt a speaker nor be in regard to substantive matters.
33. Adjournment of the Meeting
A delegate may move for the Adjournment of the Meeting to suspend all committee functions until the next scheduled meeting. This motion is not debatable and requires a simple majority to pass. The Chair may rule this motion out of order; such a decision is not subject to appeal.
34. Adjournment of the Session
A delegate may move for the Adjournment of the Session to suspend all committee functions for the remaining duration of the conference. This motion is not debatable and requires a simple majority to pass. The Chair may rule this motion out of order; such a decision is not subject to appeal.
35. Unmoderated and Moderated Caucuses
Suspension of the Meeting – See rule 19.
36. Tabling the Topic
Adjournment of Debate – See rule 20.
37. Moving into Voting Bloc
Closure of Debate – See rule 21.
38. Closure of the Speakers’ List
See rule 25.
PART VIII: SUBSTANTIVE PROPOSALS
39. Working Papers
A Working Paper is a vehicle for discussion by a body. It need not conform to Resolution format nor does it require sponsors or signatories. Copying and distribution of Working Papers will be made at the Chair's discretion. A Working Paper shall not be formally recognized by the body as a legal document.
40. Resolutions
a. Draft Resolutions
Documents recognized by the Dais in proper Resolution format will be considered and referred to as “Draft Resolutions”. The term "Resolution" is to be used only in reference to documents already passed by that body or other UN bodies. Copying, distribution, and introduction of Draft Resolutions may occur upon approval of the Draft Resolution by the Dais.
b. Format
Draft Resolutions must be written in proper Resolution format, as outlined in the DMUNC Delegate Handbook.
c. Sponsors
A minimum number of delegations decided upon by the dais, but often about one-tenth (1/10) of the total members of the committee, must be designated as sponsors of a Draft Resolution in order for it to be approved by the Dais. Sponsors are delegations that are actively working on a resolution, and are committed to the Draft Resolution and cannot vote against it during Voting Bloc unless extraordinary circumstances become apparent.
d. Signatories
A Draft Resolution must have the signatures of a minimum of one-fifth (1/5) of the total members of the committee, as determined by the Dais, in order to be approved and introduced. Delegates may sign a Draft Resolution even though they do not support the document in question; signatories only wish to bring the Draft Resolution to the floor for debate.
e. Recognition and Filing Number
Upon recognition by the Dais, the Draft Resolution shall be assigned a filing number. The filing number shall consist of the committee abbreviation followed by a forward slash, then the assigned letter of the topic followed by another forward slash, and finally a number designating the order in which the Draft Resolution was approved. Amendments continue in this format with another forward slash followed by another number designating the order in which the amendment was approved to the Draft Resolution.
41. Introduction of a Substantive Proposal
A delegate may move to introduce a Draft Resolution or amendment, upon its approval by the Dais and distribution to members of the body. Adoption of this motion shall only be at the Chair's discretion, and will suspend debate. This introduction is a speech; however, yields and comments are out of order during the introduction. Sponsors will read out the Draft Resolution or amendment to the body. The introduction will last until the speaker has finished reading. Introductions by a sponsor during a speech will be considered out of order. After a formal introduction of a proposal, the document shall be recognized by the body by its filing number.
42. Question and Answer Period (Formal Caucus)
Immediately following the Introduction of a Draft Resolution, any delegate other than a Sponsor may move for a Question and Answer Period. When making the motion, the delegate shall specify a time length for the question and answer period. The Chair may rule this motion out of order; such a decision is not subject to appeal. The Chair may also choose to make this motion automatic following an introduction. The motion passes on a simple majority. Once the period has begun, delegates recognized at the discretion of the Chair may rise under Points of Information to ask questions to the sponsors of the Draft Resolution. These questions must pertain only to the Draft Resolution and the Chair shall call to order any Point of Information that is not germane. Once the question has been posed, one sponsor may respond to the question within the allotted speaking time. Only the speaker's answer to the question shall be counted against the remaining speech time. Follow-up questions and cross debate shall be out of order. This pattern shall continue until the time allotted for the question and answer period has elapsed or no more delegates wish to ask questions.
43. Competence of the Body
A motion to question the competence of a body to discuss a Draft Resolution or amendment is in order only if made immediately following the introduction of the Draft Resolution or amendment. The Chair may rule such a motion out of order. The motion requires one speaker in favor and one opposed and requires a two-thirds (2/3) majority to pass. If the motion passes, the document will be withdrawn from the committee and cannot be reintroduced.
44. Amendments
Substantive amendments to preambulatory clauses are never in order.
a. Non-Substantive
Amendments to Draft Resolutions to correct errors in spelling or format are considered non-substantive and shall be incorporated as part of the original Draft Resolution without a vote. Final decisions on non-substantive amendments will be made by the Dais.
b. Friendly
Substantive amendments approved by all sponsors of the Draft Resolution and approved by the Dais are considered friendly and are added to the Draft Resolution without a vote. Friendly amendments may be further amended through the unfriendly amendment process.
c. Unfriendly
Substantive amendments not receiving approval from all sponsors of the Draft Resolution are considered unfriendly. They shall require the same number of sponsors, and signatories as a Draft Resolution and the approval of the Dais to be introduced. Unfriendly amendments are voted on separately upon closure of debate. Amendments to unfriendly amendments are out of order.
45. Withdrawal of Documents
a. Draft Resolutions and Amendments
A Draft Resolution or an amendment may be withdrawn from the consideration of the committee if all the sponsors so desire. Sponsors may also withdraw their individual support from a Draft Resolution. Their name will be stricken from the list of sponsors, and if the number of sponsors drops below the initial requirement of sponsors, then the Draft Resolution is withdrawn from consideration.
b. Reintroduction
Withdrawn Draft Resolutions and amendments may be reintroduced by obtaining the signatures of one-fifth (1/5) of the members of the committee and by receiving the required number of sponsors, with the consent of the Dais. Reintroduced proposals will be assigned a new filing number, and will be referred to by that new filing number. Reintroduced Draft Resolutions and amendments will be voted on normally.
46. Precedence
Motions shall be considered in the following decreasing order of precedence. Motions that have the same level of precedence shall be voted on in the order they were accepted.
Parliamentary Points
a. Points that may interrupt a speaker:
- Point of Personal Privilege (Rule 30)
- Point of Order (Rule 31)
b. Point that is in order only when the floor is open:
- Point of Parliamentary Inquiry (Rule 32)
- Right of Reply (Rule 29)
Procedural motions that are not debatable:
a. During Debate:
- Suspension of Debate (Rule 19)
- Appealing the Decision of the Chair (Rule 10)
- Adjournment of the Meeting or Session (Rules 33, 34)
b. Upon closure of debate:
- Roll Call Vote (Rule 50)
Procedural motions that are debatable:
a. During debate:
- Agenda (Rule 18)
- Closure of Debate (Rule 21)
- Closure of the Speakers’ List (Rule 25)
- Adjournment of Debate (Rule 20)
- Time Limit on Speeches, Number of Comments and Comment Times (Rules 24, 28)
b. Upon closure of debate:
- Reordering the Voting Agenda (Rule 48)
- Division of the Question (Rule 52)
Substantive Motions
- Introduction of a Substantive Proposal and Question and Answer Period (Rule 41, 42)
- Competence (Rule 43, in order only immediately after the introduction of a Resolution or amendment)
47. Voting Procedure
Following the announcement by the Chair that voting has commenced, no one may enter the chamber until the voting procedure is completed.
a. Chamber Security
Delegates leaving may not re-enter. A delegate who has left the chamber after Roll Call will have their vote counted as “no”.
b. Motions
All motions shall be considered out of order with the exceptions of motions to Reorder the Voting Agenda, Divide the Question, for a Roll Call Vote, a Point of Parliamentary Inquiry, a Point of Personal Privilege, or a Point of Order in reference to the actual conduct of voting. Absolute decorum is to be maintained.
c. Ending Voting Bloc
Once all proposals have been voted on, Voting Bloc shall end, and delegates may motion to open a new Speakers’ List on the next topic under Rule 18 c.
48. Order of Voting (Reorder the Voting Agenda)
The default order of voting shall be in the numeric order of the third digit of the filing numbers assigned. Once the committee has entered voting bloc, a delegate may motion to change the order in which Draft Resolutions will be voted upon. This is a two-tiered vote.
a. Procedure Consideration
The first vote will consider whether or not the body wishes to reorder, and requires a two-thirds (2/3) majority to pass. The Chair will then accept proposals for an order of voting.
b. Ordering Proposals
The body will vote on the proposals in the order they were submitted. The second tier of the vote requires a simple majority to pass. The first proposed voting order that passes will nullify all other proposals. Amendments may not be reordered.
49. Method of Voting
Each delegation shall have one vote. All matters shall be voted upon by a show of placards. Delegates must vote "yes," "no," or "abstain" (where applicable). No delegate may cast a vote on behalf of another delegate.
50. Roll Call Vote
A motion may be made to have a Roll Call Vote only on a substantive matter. This motion is automatic. The Roll Call shall be done alphabetically, either from the beginning of the alphabet or starting with a randomly chosen delegation. When called, the delegate shall indicate their vote verbally.
a. Pass
During a Roll Call Vote, a delegate may pass, in which case he or she is placed at the end of the voting roll. Delegates who pass during the first sequence of voting cannot pass a second time and must cast a vote in the affirmative or negative only. The delegate also loses his or her Right of Explanation.
b. Rights of Explanation
Delegates may request a Right of Explanation in addition to their “yes” or “no” vote during a Roll Call Vote. Upon completion of voting, each delegate which requested it will be given the opportunity to state an explanation directly related to its response, if such a response was unexpected or contrary to normal policy for that delegation. The Chair may limit the time allowed for such an explanation. The Chair shall call to order any delegate using their Right of Explanation in contravention of this rule.
51. Voting on Amendments
Unfriendly amendments are always voted on in conjunction with the Draft Resolution it refers to. The amendments shall be voted on first. Following the adoption or rejection of all amendments, the Draft Resolution in its resulting form shall be put to a vote.
a. Multiple Amendments
If two (2) or more amendments have been made to the proposal, the committee shall vote on the amendments in the numeric order of the fourth digit of the filing numbers assigned.
b. Conflicting Amendments
Where the adoption of one amendment necessarily implies the rejection of another, the latter shall not be voted on if the first passes.
52. Division of the Question
A delegate may move to vote on the operative clauses of the Draft Resolution individually. This motion is in order immediately preceding a vote on the Draft Resolution. It is a multiple tiered vote.
a. Procedure Consideration
The first vote is procedural, and will consider whether or not the body wishes to divide the question, and will allow two (2) speakers for and two (2) speakers against. Passing the first vote requires a two-thirds (2/3) majority.
b. Operative Exclusion
The body will then vote on the exclusion of each full operative clause from the Draft Resolution in descending numerical order. These votes are substantive. The exclusion of an operative clause requires a simple majority to pass. Each clause successfully divided out will be stricken from the final document.
c. Amendments and Limits to Division
Amendments may not be divided out. Sub-clauses will not be considered individually. A Draft Resolution must have at least one original operative clause remaining.
d. Voting
The remaining portion of the process will consider the Draft Resolution as amended, in accordance with Rule 49. If a Roll Call Vote has been requested, and the Chair approves, then the Roll Call applies to all substantive portions of the process.
53. Voting on Substantive Issues
More than one (1) Draft Resolution may be passed on any given agenda topic.
a. Majority
Only a simple majority of votes cast is needed for a Resolution or amendment to pass. When there are more votes in favor then opposed, the Resolution is adopted by the body.
b. Tie
If voting on any substantive matter ends in a tie, the matter fails.
c. Conflicting Draft Resolutions
In the case that one resolution contains clauses in conflict with another, the first to pass shall be adopted, and every operative clause in conflict with that resolution shall be stricken before the draft resolution is put to a vote. The Chair shall determine which clauses are to be stricken and clearly indicate these to the committee before voting commences on the proposal.
PART XI: SPECIALIZED COMMITTEE RULES
54. United Nations Security Council
a. Rule of Nine
Security Council decisions on substantive and procedural matters will be decided by a majority of nine (9) or more members.
b. Double Delegations
Security Council delegations may consist of two (2) persons, but only one may hold voting and speaking rights at any given time during debate. Delegates in the same delegation may not yield to each other during speeches.
c. Veto Power
Veto powers on the Security Council will be reserved for the delegations from the People’s Republic of China, the Republic of France, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and the United States of America.
d. Consideration of Emergency Topics
If a crisis situation occurs that deals specifically with a topic under consideration by a General Assembly or Economic and Social Council chamber, the Security Council gains special powers regarding that topic. If the Security Council wishes, it may force the other chamber to table that topic if that chamber already is in debate on that topic, and add that topic to the top of the Security Council’s agenda until the resolution of the crisis. This requires a Security Council majority under the Rule of Nine.
55. Perpetual Moderated Caucus
In crisis committees, the body may choose to initiate a perpetual moderated caucus. The Historical Cabinet Simulation runs on this system by default, and there is no Speakers’ List for that committee. This is a suspension of debate for a moderated caucus of indefinite length to discuss the crisis until it has been resolved. It requires a simple majority to pass. The chair may rule this out of order; such a decision is not subject to appeal. A motion for a Perpetual Moderated Caucus holds the same precedence as a Suspension of Debate.
56. Communiqués and Press Statements
a. Communiqués
In crisis committees, the body may choose to release press statements, and individual delegations may choose to write messages to their home governments and between counterpart committees regarding the crisis at hand. Communiqués may simply be passed up to the Dais as notes, and replies will often return as notes.
b. Press Statements
Releasing a press statement is a substantive motion, but does not require the committee to go into voting bloc. A press statement is not a Resolution, but an indication to the world that the committee is working on solutions, or for other similar purposes.