Debate Procedures by WBIAS
Debate is regulated by chairs, who ensure the correct
procedures are adhered to during formal debate time. While they will notify
delegates of proper format when it is not followed, familiarity of some of the
common terms for points and motions is important to have before the conference,
though most delegates pick up the vocabulary quickly when used during debate
time.
Available below are some of the procedures used most
often at TIMEMUN. (Please note that a copy
of this table will be included in the delegate handbook, and committee chairs
will review the procedures on the conference's first day.)
Point or Motion:
|
Purpose: |
Can
interrupt speaker? |
Requires
Second (support from another country)? |
Determined
by: |
Point of
Information |
Ask a question to
the speaker |
No |
No |
Speaker/Chair |
Point of
Order |
Procedural
Objection |
Yes |
No |
Chair |
Point of
Inquiry |
Question
Procedures/Chair |
No |
No |
Chair |
Point of
Personal Privilege |
Complain about
volume, room temperature, etc. |
Yes (volume only) |
Yes (not volume) |
Chair |
Motion to
Change Speaking Time |
Request to change
the length of speaking time |
No |
Yes |
Chair |
Motion to
Move Directly to Voting Procedures |
Go directly to vote |
No |
Yes |
Majority Vote |
Motion to
Extend Debate Time |
Extend debate time |
No |
Yes |
Chair |
Motion for
a roll call vote |
Votes tabulated by
roll call and not by count |
No |
Yes |
Majority Vote
Overrule by chair |
Motion to
deviate from agenda |
Changing agenda |
No |
Yes |
Majority Vote
Overrule by chair |
Motion to
move to 15 minute recess |
15 minute break |
No |
Yes |
Chair |
Motion to
Divide the house |
Abstentions
prohibited, all delegates must vote either ‘for’ or ‘against’ |
No |
Yes |
Majority Vote |
Motion to
table resolution |
Stop debating
resolution and move it to the bottom of the agenda |
No |
No |
2/3 Majority |
Point of Order |
Procedural
Objection |
Yes |
No |
Chair |