Rules of Procedure

General Rules
Rule # 1: Scope

The rules included in this guide are applicable to all committees of the General Assembly, the Economic and
Social Council, and the Specialized Agencies. Each rule is self-reliant unless modified by the Secretariat, in
which case, the modification will be deemed adopted before the session begins. No other rules of procedure
apply. If a situation arises that has not been addressed by the Rules of Procedure, the Harvard Head Chair
(“the Chair”) will be the final authority on what procedure to follow. For committees in the Specialized Agen-
cies and some committees in the ECOSOC, the rules can be adapted by the Harvard Head Chair to reflect the
rules of the actual body that is being simulated, and these adapted rules will take precedence unless explicitly
specified by the Harvard Head Chair.

Rule # 2: Language

English will be the official and working language of the conference. If a delegate wishes to present a document
written in a language other than English, the delegate will have to provide a translation to the committee
staff that will then distribute the translated version to the rest of the committee. The only exception will be in
special language committees of the Specialized Agencies, and these exceptions will be announced in advance
by the Harvard Head Chair.

Rule # 3: Representation

A member of the Committee is a representative who is officially registered with the Conference. Each member
will be represented by one or two delegates and will have one vote on each Committee. If two delegates rep-
resent a Member State of a Committee, the delegates can present speeches together without formally yielding
as long as only one delegate speaks at any given time.

Rule # 4: Credentials

The credentials of all delegations have been accepted upon registration. Actions relating to the modification
of rights, privileges, or credentials of any member may not be initiated without the written consent of the
Secretary-General. Any representative whose admission raises an objection by another member will provision-
ally be seated with the same rights as other representatives, pending a decision from the Secretary-General.

Rule # 5: Participation of Non-Members

Representatives of Accredited Observers will have the same rights as those of full members, except that they
may not sign or vote on draft resolutions or amendments. These representatives reserve the right to vote only
on procedural matters but not on substantive matters. A representative of an organization that is neither a
member of the United Nations nor an Accredited Observer may address a Committee only with the prior
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 approval of the Chair.

Rule # 6: Participation of Non-Governmental Organizations

Representatives of Non-Governmental Organizations (“NGOs”) reserve the same rights as a full member
of the committee, with the exception of the right to vote on substantive matters. NGOs may be signatories
on draft resolutions. At the discretion of the Harvard Head Chair, delegates of NGOs hold certain unique
procedural rights stated below:

R5 Introductory Statements to Committee: If desired, an NGO holds the right to submit a written introduction
to the Harvard Head Chair that elaborates on the position and powers of the NGO. The Chair reserves the
right to postpone the introduction of the NGO if necessary.
R5 Written or Oral Announcements: An NGO is allowed to address the committee in oral or written form, stat-
ing its stance on the topic being discussed and the possible contributions it can make. This announcement will
also be made at the discretion of the Harvard Head Chair.

Rule # 7: Statements by the Secretariat

The Secretary-General or a member of the Secretariat designated by him/her reserves the right to make either
written or oral statements to the Committee at any time.

Rule # 8: General Powers of the Committee Staff

The Committee Dais Staff consists of the Harvard Head Chair and several Committee Chairs. Each Com-
mittee session will be announced open and closed by the Harvard Head Chair, who may also propose the
adoption of any procedural motion to which there is no significant objection. The Chair, subject to these rules,
will have complete control of the proceedings at any meeting. The Chair will direct the flow of debate, grant
the right to speak, ask questions, announce decisions, rule on points of order, and enforce adherence to these
rules. If necessary and given no objections, the Harvard Head Chair may choose to suspend the rules in order
to clarify a certain substantive or procedural issue. The Harvard Head Chair also has the right to interrupt the
flow of debate in order to show a presentation or to bring in a guest speaker or an expert witness. The Chair
can choose to temporarily transfer his or her duties to another member of the Committee Dais staff. Com-
mittee Dais staff members may also advise delegations on the possible course of debate. Further, no handouts
may be circulated to the committee body without the knowledge and explicit approval of the Chair. In the
exercise of these functions, the Committee Dais staff will be at all times subject to these rules and responsible
to the Secretary-General.

Rule # 9: Quorum

Quorum denotes the minimum number of delegates who need to be present in order to open debate. When
at least one-quarter of the members of the Committee (as declared at the beginning of the first session) are
present, quorum is met, and the Chair declares a Committee open to proceed with debate. A quorum will be
assumed to be present unless specifically challenged and shown to be absent. A roll call is never required to de-
termine the presence of a quorum. In order to vote on any substantive motion, the Committee must establish
the presence of a simple majority of members. For double delegation committees, at least one delegate from
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 each pair must be present during substantive voting.

Rule # 10: Courtesy

Every delegate will be courteous and respectful to the Committee staff and to other delegates. The Chair will
immediately call to order any delegate who does not abide by this rule. Any delegate who feels that he or she
is not being treated respectfully is encouraged to speak to the Chair, who will then take the appropriate action.

Rule # 11: Electronic Aids

Delegates are not permitted to use any type of electronic device, including laptops, phones, etc., in the com-
mittee room when the committee has been convened. All laptop use must occur outside of the committee
room unless otherwise specified by the Chair. The Chair may grant the use of electronic dictionaries at his or
her discretion.

Rule # 12: Delegate Conduct

Delegates are warned that WorldMUN has a zero-tolerance policy for slandering, disparaging, or acting in
any other way that is inflammatory to other delegates. Neither speeches nor debates with other delegates may
contain remarks of this nature. Those delegates who believe that their countries’ policies merit such conduct
are advised to consult the Chair before taking any action.

Rule # 13: Absences

If a delegate is not present during roll call, he or she is considered absent until a note is sent to the dais staff. A
delegate who is recognized but is not present when called upon yields his or her time to the Chair, and debate
shall continue unabated. In order to receive fee waivers and scholarships, delegates are required to attend all
sessions.

Rules Governing Debate

Rule # 14: Agenda

The Agenda decides the order in which the topics will be discussed in committee. Therefore the first matter
the Committee decides on will be setting the agenda. The only motion in order at this time will be in the form
of “I move that Topic Area X be placed first on the Agenda.”

R5 A motion shall be made to put a Topic Area first on the agenda. This motion requires a second.
R5 Delegates may only propose those Topic Areas listed in the preparation materials. The Chair holds the right
to modify these Topic Areas at his or her discretion.
R5 A Committee in which only one Topic Area may be proposed for the agenda will be considered to have auto-
matically adopted that Topic Area without debate.
R5 A Speakers List will be established ‘for’ and ‘against’ the motion; speakers ‘for’ will speak in support of the
Topic Area suggested, speakers ‘against’ will speak in favor of the other Topic Area.
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R5 Debate over the Agenda can only be closed by a motion after the Committee has heard from two speakers for
the motion and from two against. As stated in Rule 19, the Chair will recognize two speakers against the mo-
tion to close debate. A vote of two-thirds is required for closure of debate on the agenda. In the situation where
the Speakers-For or the Speakers-Against List on setting the agenda is exhausted, debate will automatically
be closed even if a motion to close debate would not normally be in order.
R5 Once debate is closed, the Committee will move to an immediate vote on the motion to set the agenda, which
will require a simple majority to pass. If the motion fails, the other Topic Area will automatically be placed
first on the agenda.
R5 A motion to proceed to the second Topic Area is in order only after the Committee has adopted or rejected a
resolution on the first Topic Area. A motion to proceed to the second agenda item after a resolution has failed
requires a second and is debatable to the extent of one speaker in favor and one against. This motion to proceed
requires a vote of two-thirds of the members present and voting to pass.
R5 In the event of a simulated international crisis or emergency, the Secretary-General, members of the Secre-
tariat, or members of the Committee Staff may call upon the delegates to table debate on the current Topic
Area, so that the more pressing issue may be attended to immediately. After a draft resolution has been passed
on the crisis topic, the Committee will return to debate on the tabled topic. If a draft resolution on the crisis
topic fails, the Committee may return to debate on the tabled Topic Area only at the discretion of the Com-
mittee Staff. Comments (see Rule 28) are not in order during debate on the agenda since deciding the Agenda
is a procedural question.
R5 All motions for caucus shall be ruled out of order during consideration of the agenda. Also, delegates will not
be allowed to yield their time (see Rule 27).

Rule # 15: Debate

The setting of the Agenda is followed by the opening of a new, continuous Speakers List, which is used to
begin general debate. This Speakers List will decide the order of speakers for all debate on the Topic Area, ex-
cept when superseded by procedural motions, amendments, or the introduction of a draft resolution. Speakers
may speak generally on the Topic Area being considered and may address any draft resolution currently on the
floor. Once a draft resolution has been introduced, it remains on the floor and may be debated until it fails, the
Committee postpones debate on it, or the Committee moves to the next Topic Area.

Rule # 16: Unmoderated Caucus

A delegate may motion for an unmoderated caucus at any time when the floor is open, prior to closure of de-
bate. The delegate making the motion must specify a time limit and a topic of discussion for the caucus, not to
exceed twenty minutes. The motion will immediately be put to a vote and will pass given a simple majority. In
the case of multiple unmoderated caucuses, the Chair will rank the motions in descending order of length, and
the Committee members will vote accordingly. The Chair may rule the motion dilatory, and his/her decision
is not subject to appeal. An unmoderated caucus may be extended only twice.

Rule #17: Consultation of the Whole

At the discretion of the Chair, delegates may motion for an informal consultation of the entire Committee in
which the rules of parliamentary procedure are suspended, and the Committee members moderate the ensu-
ing discussion. The disruptiveness of this motion is equivalent to an unmoderated caucus and is entertained at
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 the discretion of the Chair. The delegate making the motion must specify a time limit and a topic of discussion
for the consultation of the whole, not to exceed ten minutes. The motion will be put to a vote and will pass if it
has a simple majority. During the execution of this motion, delegates will be expected to remain in their seats
and respectful of speakers at all times. The moderation of the committee is carried out by the Committee’s
delegates. The Chair may rule the motion dilatory, and his/her decision is not subject to appeal.

Rule # 18: Moderated Caucus

The purpose of a moderated caucus is to facilitate substantive debate at critical junctures in the discussion. In
a moderated caucus, the Chair will temporarily depart from the Speakers List and call on delegates to speak
at his/her discretion. A motion for a moderated caucus is in order at any time when the floor is open, prior to
closure of debate. The delegate making the motion must briefly explain its purpose and specify a time limit
for the caucus, not to exceed twenty minutes, and a time limit for the individual speeches. Once raised, the
motion will be voted on immediately, with a simple majority of members required for passage. In the case of
multiple moderated caucuses, the Chair will rank the motions in descending order of length, and the Com-
mittee members will vote accordingly. The Chair may rule a motion dilatory, and his/her decision is not subject
to appeal. No motions are in order between speeches during a moderated caucus. A delegate can and will be
ruled out of order if the delegate’s speech does not address the topic of the moderated caucus. If no delegate
wishes to speak during a moderated caucus, the caucus shall immediately end. A moderated caucus may be
extended only twice but only after the caucus has ended. There is no yielding of time in moderated caucuses.

Rule # 19: Closure of Debate

When the floor is open, a delegate may move to close debate on the substantive or procedural matter under
discussion. Delegates may move to close debate on the general topic, debate on the agenda, or debate on an
amendment. The Chair may, subject to appeal, rule such a motion dilatory. When closure of debate is moved,
the Chair may recognize up to two speakers against the motion. No speaker in favor of the motion will be
recognized. Closure of debate requires the support of two-thirds of the members present and voting. If there
are no speakers against the closing debate, the Harvard Head Chair will ask the delegates if there are any ob-
jections to voting by acclamation (Please see Rule 39 for details on procedure). If there are no objections, the
motion to close debate will automatically be adopted and the Committee will move immediately to substan-
tive voting procedure.

Rule # 20: Suspension or Adjournment of the Meeting

The suspension of the meeting means the postponement of all Committee functions until the next meeting.
The adjournment of the meeting means the postponement of all Committee functions for the duration of the
Conference. Whenever the floor is open, a delegate may move for the suspension of the meeting or adjourn-
ment of the meeting. The Chair may rule such motions dilatory; these decisions shall not be subject to appeal.
When in order, such motions will not be debatable but will be immediately voted upon, barring any motions
taking precedence, and will require a simple majority to pass. A motion to adjourn will be out of order prior
to the lapse of three-quarters of the time allotted for the last meeting of the Committee. In the case of a real
emergency as declared by the Secretary-General, members of the Secretariat or the Committee Staff, debate
will automatically be suspended without any exceptions.

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Rule # 21: Postponement and Resumption of Debate

Whenever the floor is open, a delegate may move for the postponement of debate on a draft resolution, amend-
ment, or topic currently on the floor. The motion, otherwise known as “tabling,” will require a two-thirds vote
to pass and will be debatable to the extent of one speaker in favor and one opposed. No debate or action will
be allowed on any draft resolution, amendment, or topic on which debate has been postponed. A motion to
resume debate on an amendment, draft resolution, or topic on which debate has been postponed will require a
simple majority to pass and will be debatable to the extent of one speaker in favor and one opposed. Resump-
tion of debate will cancel the effects of postponement of debate.

Rule # 22: Reconsideration

A motion to reconsider is in order when a draft resolution or amendment has been adopted or rejected, and
must be made by a member who voted with the majority on the substantive proposal. The Chair will recognize
up to two speakers opposing the motion after which the motion will be immediately voted upon. A two-thirds
majority of the members present is required for reconsideration. If the motion passes, the Committee will im-
mediately vote again on the draft resolution or amendment being reconsidered.

Rule # 23: Appeal

An appeal can only be made to procedural matters, but not substantive ones (for the difference, see Rules 37
and 38). A delegate may appeal any procedural decision of the Chair unless it is one that cannot be appealed
as stated by the rules of procedure. The delegate can only appeal a ruling immediately after it has been pro-
nounced. The delegate will be given thirty seconds in order to explain the reasoning behind the appeal. The
Chair may speak briefly in defense of the ruling. The appeal shall then be put to a vote, and the decision of the
Chair shall stand unless overruled by two-thirds of those members present and voting. The Chair’s decision
not to sign a draft resolution or amendment is never appealable. A “Yes” vote indicates support of the Chair’s
ruling; a “No” vote indicates opposition to that ruling.

Rules Governing Speeches

Rule # 24: Speakers List

The Committee shall at all times have an open Speakers List for the Topic Area being discussed. The Chair
will either set a speaking time or entertain motions to set a speaking time. Separate Speakers Lists will be
established as needed for procedural motions and debate on amendments. A member may add its name to
the Speakers List by submitting a request in writing to the Chair, provided that member is not already on
the Speakers List, and may remove its name from the Speakers List by submitting a request in writing to the
Chair. At any time the Chair may call for members that wish to be added to the Speakers List. The names of
the next several members to speak will always be posted for the convenience of the Committee. The Speakers
List for the second Topic Area will not be open until the Committee has proceeded to that topic. The Speak-
ers List is the default activity of the Committee. If no motions are on the floor, debate automatically returns
to the Speakers List. A motion to close any Speakers List is never in order; nor is a motion to return to the
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 Speakers List ever in order.

No delegate may address a session without having previously obtained the permission of the Chair. The Chair
may call a speaker to order if his/her remarks are not relevant to the subject under discussion, or are offensive
to Committee members or staff. Delegates are required to make all speeches from the 3rd person perspective.
There can be no speeches made from the 1st person unless the approval of the Chair is received. There can be
no props used unless the approval of the Chair is received.

Rule # 26: Time Limit on Speeches

The Chair may limit the time allotted to each speaker. The minimum time limit will be ten seconds. When
a delegate exceeds his/her allotted time, the Chair may call the speaker to order without delay. However, the
Chair has the discretion to be flexible (within reason) about the time limit to allow a delegate to finish his or
her thought in order to account for the varying fluency of English among conference attendees.

Rule # 27: Yields

A delegate granted the right to speak on a substantive issue may yield in one of three ways at the conclusion
of his/her speech: to another delegate, to questions, or to the Chair. A delegate must declare any yield at the
conclusion of his or her speech.

R5 Yield to another delegate: His or her remaining time will be offered to that delegate. If the delegate accepts
the yield, the Chair shall recognize the delegate for the remaining time. The second delegate speaking may
not yield back to the original delegate. To turn the floor over to a co-delegate of the same member state is not
considered a yield.
R5 Yield to questions: Questioners will be selected by the Chair and limited to one question each. Follow-up
questions will be allowed only at the discretion of the Chair. The Chair will have the right to call to order any
delegate whose question is, in the opinion of the Chair, rhetorical, leading, and/or not designed to elicit infor-
mation. Only the speaker’s answers to questions will count toward the remaining speaking time.
R5 Yield to the chair: Such a yield should be made if the delegate does not wish his/her speech to be subject to
questions. The Chair will then move to the next speaker.

Only one yield is allowed per speech (i.e. no yields on yielded time). There are no yields allowed if the delegate
is speaking on a procedural matter. A delegate must declare any yield by the conclusion of his/her speech.
Delegates cannot yield if they run out of time. Yields only need to be made when debate proceeds according
to a Speakers List.

Rule # 28: Comments

If a substantive speech involves no yields, and if the speaker does not use all of the time allotted, the Chair may
recognize up to two delegates, other than the original speaker, to comment for thirty seconds on the specific
content of the speech just completed. Commentators may not yield. No comments shall be in order during
debate on procedural motions.

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Rule # 29: Right of Reply

A delegate whose personal or national integrity has been impugned by another delegate may submit a Right
of Reply only in writing to the Committee staff. The Chair will grant the Right of Reply at his/her discretion;
this decision is not appealable. A delegate granted a Right of Reply will not address the Committee except at
the request of the Chair. A Right of Reply to a Right of Reply is out of order.

Rules Governing Points

Rule # 30: Points of Personal Privilege

Whenever a delegate experiences personal discomfort, which impairs his/her ability to participate in the pro-
ceedings, he/she may rise to a Point of Personal Privilege to request that the discomfort be corrected. A Point
of Personal Privilege may only interrupt a speaker if the delegate speaking is inaudible. Otherwise, the delegate
rising on the Point of Personal Privilege must always wait till the end of the speech to raise the Point.

Rule # 31: Points of Order

During the discussion of any matter, a delegate may rise to a Point of Order to indicate an instance of im-
proper parliamentary procedure. The Point of Order will be immediately decided by the Chair in accordance
with these rules of procedure. A representative rising to a Point of Order may not speak on the substance of
the matter under discussion. A Point of Order may not interrupt a speaker during the speech. The delegate
who rises to a point of order must wait till the end of the speech. Additionally, the Harvard Head Chair has
the right to address a delegate if proper parliamentary procedure is not being followed.

Rule # 32: Points of Parliamentary Inquiry

When the floor is open, a delegate may rise to a Point of Parliamentary Inquiry to ask the Chair a question
regarding the rules of procedure. A Point of Parliamentary Inquiry may never interrupt a speaker. Delegates
with substantive questions should not rise to this Point, but should rather approach the Committee staff dur-
ing caucus or send a note to the dais. Points of Information do not exist.

Rules Governing the Path to a Draft Resolution

Rule # 33: Working Papers

Delegates may propose working papers for Committee consideration. Working papers are intended to aid
the Committee in its discussion and formulation of draft resolutions and need not be written in draft resolu-
tion format. Working papers are not official documents and may be presented in any format approved by the
Chair but do require the signature of the Chair to be copied and distributed. Once distributed, delegates may
consider that working paper introduced and begin to refer to that working paper by its designated number.
Working papers do not require signatories or votes of approval. No document may be referred to as a “working
paper” until it has been introduced.

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Rule # 34: Draft Resolutions

A draft resolution may be introduced when it receives the approval of the Chair and is signed by 20 mem-
bers in the General Assembly, 10 members in the Economic and Social Council and Regional Bodies, or 5
members in the Specialized Agencies. The number of required signatories for a draft resolution is subject to
modification by the Harvard Head Chair. Signing a draft resolution need not indicate support of the draft
resolution, and the signatory has no further rights or obligations. There are no official sponsors of draft resolu-
tions. Signatories should be listed in alphabetical order on every draft resolution.

A draft resolution requires a simple majority of members present to pass. Only one draft resolution may be
passed per Topic Area. After a draft resolution is passed, voting procedure will end and the Committee will
move directly into the second Topic Area, as specified by Rule #14.

Rule # 35: Introduction to Draft Resolutions

Once a draft resolution has been approved as stipulated above and has been copied and distributed, delegates
may move to introduce the draft resolution. The Chair, time permitting, may read the operative clauses of the
draft resolution. Alternatively, the Chair may recognize a certain number of delegates (at the Chair’s discre-
tion) to come forward to answer questions on the resolution to which they were signatories. In addition, the
Chair may also allow for an informal presentation of the resolutions. No document may be referred to as a
“draft resolution” until it has been introduced.

A procedural vote is then taken to determine whether the resolution shall be introduced. Should the motion
receive the simple majority required to pass, the draft resolution will be considered introduced and on the floor.
The Chair, at his/her discretion, may answer any clarifying points on the draft resolution. Any substantive
points will be ruled out of order during this period, and the Chair may end this ‘clarifying question-answer
period’ for any reason, including time constraints. More than one draft resolution may be on the floor at any
one time. A draft resolution will remain on the floor until debate on that specific draft resolution is postponed
or a Resolution on that Topic Area has been passed. Debate on draft resolutions proceeds according to the
general Speakers List for that Topic Area, and delegates may refer to the draft resolution by its designated
number. No delegate may refer to a draft resolution until it is formally introduced.

Rule #36: Amendments

Delegates may amend any draft resolution that has been introduced by adding to, deleting from, or revising
parts of it. Only one amendment may be introduced at any given time. An amendment must have the approval
of the Chair and the signatures of 12 members in the General Assembly, 5 members in the Economic and
Social Council and the Regional Bodies, or 3 members in the Specialized Agencies. The number of required
signatories for a draft resolution is subject to modification by the Harvard Head Chair. Amendments to
amendments are out of order; however, an amended part of a draft resolution may be further amended. There
are no official sponsors of amendments. As there are no official sponsors of draft resolutions, there can be no
friendly amendments. If a submitted amendment contains a typological error, the corrected version should
be submitted to the Chair only and does not need to be circulated to the entire committee. The Chair, at his
or her discretion will announce the corrections made in the latter version. Preambulatory phrases may not be
amended. The final vote on the amendment is substantive; NGOs, Observer Nations, and Third Party Actors
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 will not be allowed to vote on amendments.

R5 A motion to introduce an approved amendment may be introduced when the floor is open. After this motion,
the Chair may read the amendment aloud, time permitting. The motion will pass by a simple majority. General
debate will be suspended, and a Speakers List will be established for and against the amendment.
R5 A motion to close debate will be in order after the Committee has heard from at least two speakers for the
amendment and from at least two speakers against. A motion to close debate will proceed as described by Rule
19.
R5 When debate is closed on the amendment, the Committee will move to an immediate vote. Amendments
need a simple majority to pass.
R5 After the vote, debate will resume according to the general Speakers List.

Rules Governing Voting

Rule # 37: Procedual Voting

Voting on any matter other than draft resolutions and amendments is considered procedural. Each and every
member of the committee, including representatives of Accredited Observers and of NGOs must vote on all
procedural motions, and no abstentions will be allowed. A simple majority shall be considered achieved when
there are more “Yes” votes than “No” votes. A two-thirds vote will require at least twice as many “Yes” votes
than “No” votes. If there is not the required number of speakers for or against a motion, the motion will auto-
matically fail or pass.

Rule # 38: Substantive Voting

Substantive voting includes voting on draft resolutions and amendments. Once the committee closes debate
on the general Topic Area, it will move into substantive voting procedures. At this time, the chambers are
sealed, and no interruptions will be allowed. The only motions and points that will be in order are: Division of
the Question, Reordering Draft Resolutions, Motion to Vote by Acclamation, Motion for a Roll Call Vote,
Point of Personal Privilege, Point of Parliamentary Inquiry, and Point of Order. If there are no such motions,
the Committee will vote on all draft resolutions. For substantive voting, each member will have one vote. Each
vote may be a ‘Yes,’ ‘No,’ or ‘Abstain.’ Abstaining members are not considered to be voting. All matters will be
voted upon by a show of placards, unless a motion for a roll call vote is accepted. Abstentions are not counted
in the total number of votes cast. A simple majority requires more “Yes” votes than “No” votes (i.e. more coun-
tries voting in the affirmative than the negative); a two-thirds majority requires twice as many “Yes” votes as
“No” votes. Once any Resolution has been passed, the voting procedure is closed, as only one Resolution may
be passed per Topic Area. In the Security Council, the five permanent members have the power to veto any
substantive vote. A “No” vote by one of the five permanent members in the Security Council is considered a
veto. NGOs, Observer Nations, and Third Party Actors will not be able to vote on draft resolutions and/or
amendments.

Rule # 39: Voting by Acclamation

Before the beginning the vote on a particular motion, draft resolution or amendment, the Harvard Head Chair
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 has the right to ask his or her members if there are any objections to a vote by acclamation. In addition, if
no speakers against the motion to close debate are recognized, the Chair will propose a vote by acclamation,
subject to objections from the delegates. If the committee members have no objections, then the motion will
automatically be adopted without the committee going into voting procedure. A single objection to voting by
acclamation will mean that the committee will go into normal voting procedure.

Rule # 40: Reordering Draft Resolutions

A Motion to Reorder Draft Resolutions will only be in order immediately after entering voting procedure, and
before voting has started on any draft resolutions. The Chair will take all motions to reorder draft resolutions
and then vote on them in the order in which they were introduced. Voting will continue until either a motion
to reorder passes with a simple majority, or all of the motions fail, in which case the Committee will move into
voting procedure, voting on the draft resolutions in their original order.

Rule # 41: Division of the Question

After debate on any topic has been closed, a delegate may move that the operative parts of a draft resolution
be voted on separately. Preambulatory clauses and sub-operative clauses may not be altered by division of the
question.

R5 The motion can be debated to the extent of two speakers for and two against, to be followed by an immediate
procedural vote on that motion.
R5 If the motion receives the simple majority required to pass, the Chair will take motions on how to divide the
question and prioritize them from most severe to least severe.
R5 The Committee will then vote on the motions in the order set by the Chair. If no division passes, the resolution
remains intact. Once a division has been passed with a simple majority, the draft resolution will be divided ac-
cordingly, and a separate procedural vote will be taken on each divided part to determine whether or not it is
to be included in the final draft resolution. If all of the operative parts of the substantive proposal are rejected,
the draft resolution will be considered to have been rejected as a whole.
R5 Parts of the draft resolution that are subsequently passed will be recombined into a final document. The final
document will be put to a substantive vote.

Rule # 42: Roll Call Voting

A delegate has the right to request a roll call vote after debate on a draft resolution is closed. A roll call vote can
only be in order for substantive votes. A motion for a roll call vote may be made from the floor and seconded by
20 members of the General Assembly, 10 members of the Economic and Social Council and Regional Bodies
and 5 members of the Specialized Agencies. The required number of seconds is subject to modification by the
Harvard Head Chair.

R5 In a roll call vote, the Chair will call members in alphabetical order starting with a randomly selected member.
In the first sequence, delegates may vote “Yes,” “Yes with Rights”, “No,” “No with Rights”, “Abstain,” or “Pass.”
Delegates who vote either “Yes with Rights” or “No with Rights” reserve the right to explain his/her vote only
when the delegate is voting against the policy of his/her country. The delegate will only be allowed to explain

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 an affirmative or negative vote, not an abstention from voting.
R5 A delegate who voted “Pass” during the first sequence of the roll call must vote (i.e. may not abstain or pass)
during the second sequence. The same delegate may not request the right to explain his/her vote.
R5 The Chair shall then call for changes of votes; no delegate may request a right of explanation if he or she did
not request on in the previous two sequences. All delegates who had requested the right of explanation will be
granted time to explain their votes. The speaking time will be set at the discretion of the Chair, not to exceed
thirty seconds.
R5 The Chair will then announce the outcome of the vote.

Precedence of Motions

Motions will be considered in the following order of preference:

R5 Point of Personal Privilege (Rule 30)

R5 Point of Order (Rule 31)
R5 Point of Parliamentary Inquiry (Rule 32)
R5 Adjournment of the Meeting (Rule 20)
R5 Suspension of the Meeting (Rule 20)
R5 Unmoderated Caucusing (Rule 16)
R5 Consultation of the Whole (Rule 17)
R5 Moderated Caucusing (Rule 18)
R5 Introduction of Draft Resolution (Rule 35)
R5 Introduction of an Amendment (Rule 36)
R5 Postponement of Debate (Rule 21)
R5 Resumption of Debate (Rule 21)
R5 Closure of Debate (Rule 19)

At the start of voting procedure, the following points and motions are in order, in the following order of pre-
cedence:

R5 Point of Personal Privilege (Rule 30)

R5 Point of Order (Rule 31)
R5 Point of Parliamentary Inquiry (Rule 32)
R5 Reordering Draft Resolutions (Rule 40)
R5 Division of the Question (Rule 41)
R5 Motion for a Roll Call Vote (Rule 42)

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Rules of Procedure Cheat Sheet

Subject to Appeal Not Subject to Appeal

Chair’s ruling an unmoderated/moderated caucus or Chair’s ruling closure of debate dilatory

consultation of the whole dilatory

Chair’s ruling suspension or adjournment of meeting

dilatory

Chair’s admission/rejection of a Right of Reply

Two-Thirds Majority Simple Majority

Moving to the next topic area after a failed resolution Setting the agenda

Tabling debate Initiating a moderated/unmoderated caucus or con-

sultation of the whole

Closing debate Suspending or adjourning the meeting

Reconsidering a draft resolution/amendment Resuming debate

Overruling a Chair’s decision through the appeal Introducing a draft resolution

process

Passing a draft resolution

Introducing an amendment

Passing an amendment

Reordering voting on drafting resolutions

Dividing the question and choosing how to divide

Motions with Speaker Minimums Number of Speakers Required

Setting the Agenda At least two for, at least two against

Closing Debate Up to two against

Reconsideration Up to two against

Division of the Question Up to two for and two against

Proceeding to second topic area after failure to pass Up to one for and one against
resolution

Debating an Amendment At least two for, at least two against

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