RULES OF PROCEDURES
Rules of Procedures are what govern the meetings in both Model UN and Model ASEAN. Without it, there will be no order nor a fruitful discussion that will lead to a favorable conclusion for all parties involved.
What are Rules of Procedures
Rules of Procedures (ROP) are a set of rules that each meeting follows in order to conduct committee meetings and plenaries in an orderly way. It is moderated by a Chairman whose duty is to remain unbiased, maintain order, ensure that all delegates are following the correct procedures, and that every delegate has an opportunity to speak during the debates
It is imperative that all delegates understand the ROP prior to joining any Model UN or Model ASEAN event.
It must also be stated that ROPs in Model UN are stricter compared to Model ASEAN. Motions and resolutions in Model UN are passed with a majority vote (assuming that the motion called for had seconds and is approved by the Chairman). Whereas in Model ASEAN, it operates solely on consensus.
Procedures
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Roll Calls: Attendance taking in alphabetical order. Once a delegate had been called for, they are obliged to respond with either "Present" or "Present and Voting."
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Setting the Agenda: Delegates will vote on the order of which topic is discussed first. This always happens at the beginning of the meeting.
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Debate Structure: There are 3 types
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Formal: The Chairman will call upon the speakers list. Delegates will speak in the order they had raised their placards first with a set time.
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Moderated Caucus: Observe Motions
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Unmoderated Caucus: Observe Motions
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Voting: Once called for, delegates are required to vote
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Substantive votes: resolutions and amendments
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Procedural votes: motions and points raised during debates
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It must be stated that delegates who had voted Present and Voting are required to vote yes or no. Whereas delegates who had voted Present are allowed to abstain. Regardless, they are still required to vote yes or no for procedural votes.
Motions
During meetings, delegates can request these motions to the Chairman of the meeting:
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Motion to Set the Agenda: Determines the order of topics to be discussed.
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Motion to Open Debate: Initiates formal debate on the meeting topic.
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Motion for a Moderated Caucus: Requests a shift from formal debate to a moderated caucus with no speaker's list, and whomever raises their placard first and is acknowledged by the Chairman is permitted to speak.
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Motion for an Unmoderated Caucus: Similar to a moderated caucus, a break is called, however informal discussions are permitted.
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Motion to Close Debate: Ends the debate on a topic, moving the committee towards voting.
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Motion to Adjourn: Ends the session for the day or for the conference.
Points
Not to be confused with points earned, points raised during committee meetings:
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Point of Order: Raised when a delegate believes that the rules of procedure are being violated.
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Point of Inquiry: Used to ask the Chair questions about the rules or the procedure.
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Point of Personal Privilege: Raised when a delegate experiences personal discomfort or wishes to use the bathroom or pick up a call.
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Point of Information: Used to ask a question to the speaker after they have finished their speech, often regarding the content of the speech.
Other Rules
Other rules and procedures:
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Delegates aren't permitted to talk to each other without permission from the Chairman or during unmoderated caucuses.
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Delegates are allowed to pass notes by calling Pagers.
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However, anything written on the note must be relevant to the meeting
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It must remain appropriate. Foul language and inappropriate content isn't tolerated. If caught, it will be reported to the Organizing Committee.
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Delegates must keep their phones on mute.
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Delegates aren't permitted to check the Internet or communicate with others using social media.
Should the delegate violate these rules, they will be given a warning by the Chairman. Should they continue to violate these rules, they will be kicked out of the meeting.