Section One: Agenda

a.         The agenda for the negotiations shall be set by the instructor.

b.         The Chair shall be selected by the instructor, and communicated to delegates at least seven days prior to the opening of the meeting. If negotiations continue past a single session, the Chair shall rotate among member states, following alphabetical order.

Section Two: Powers and Responsibilities of the Chair

a.         The Chair shall declare the opening and closing of each session, ensure the observance of these rules, recognize speakers, conduct votes on motions and resolutions, and announce decisions.

b.         The Chair may propose limitations on the time allotted to speakers, call a delegate to order if that delegate’s remarks are not relevant to the topic under discussion, grant a Right of Reply, respond to a Point of Information, or propose closure of debate.

Section Three: Formal Debate

a.        No delegate may address the floor without first obtaining the permission of the Chair.

b. The Chair shall maintain a speaker’s list for the topic under discussion.  Delegates may petition the Chair to be placed on the speakers’ list.  The Chair will call upon delegates in the order they inform him of a desire to speak.

c.         Time limits for speeches may be modified by means of a procedural motion.  If time remains after a speaker has finished, the Chair will ask the delegate if he wishes to answer questions or yield the remainder of his time.  If there are questions, any delegate may indicate this by raising his/her hand, and will be called upon by the Chair.  Once time has elapsed, the Chair will ask the next speaker from the speakers’ list to take the floor.

d.         Any delegate can, at the discretion of the Chair, make a Point of Information to inquire as to the rules of procedure, agenda, or other issues related to the conduct of the meeting.

e.         Attacks of a personal nature, or against a particular nation, are prohibited.  At the discretion of the Chair, a delegate or nation so attacked may be granted an immediate Right of Reply.

Section Four: Caucusing

a.         A delegate may at any time make a motion to caucus.

b.         A motion to caucus must specify a time limit for the caucus and explain its purpose.

c.         During a caucusing period the formal rules are suspended.  Delegates may engage in informal discussions of issues and/or prepare resolutions.

Section Five: Resolutions

a.         Proposed resolutions shall be presented to the Chair and to the assembly as a whole.

b.         To be considered, a proposed resolution requires the sponsorship of at least three member states. This sponsorship does not bind a state to vote in favor of the resolution.

c.          A resolution must be a formal statement of intent, including one or more clauses that describe the goals and specifics of actions to be carried out if the resolution passes.

d.         It is the responsibility of the Chair to see to it that all member states have access to the resolution prior to discussion and debate.  This may be accomplished by posting the text in a common area.

e.         Debate on a resolution shall begin with a statement by one of the co – sponsors, introducing the resolution.

Section Six: Closure of Debate

a.         Any member state may at any time move to close debate.

b.         Closure of debate is a procedural motion, requiring a simple majority to pass.

c.         If a closure motion is passed, the Chair will immediately close discussion and proceed to a vote on resolutions.

Section Seven:   Voting Procedures

a.         Each member state shall have one vote.

b.         Votes on procedural motions require a simple majority (greater than 50 percent) to pass. 

c.         On substantive resolutions a state may call for a roll call vote. Each state, in alph abetical order, may call “yes”,or “no”, or “abstain”.  This requirement may be waived by a unanimous consent decree of the assembly. If it is waived, the required vote is the same as that for a procedural motion.

d.         When simulating the Security Council and addressing a substantive resolution related to international security, a roll call vote is required and a two-thirds majority.  Any state with veto power may block the passage of a resolution by issuing a “no” vote. 

e.         Whether or not a substantive issue is or is not related to international security may be decided as a procedural motion in the Security Council.

f.          It is the responsibility of the Chair to tally the vote and announce the results.