GeMUN Debating Day
15 Aprile 2011 – Biblioteca Berio
http://www.gemun.it | gemunoffice@gmail.com
Following, is a brief explanation of parliamentary procedures in formal debate
GeMUN is a THIMUN affiliated international conference, situated in Genoa. Every year it hosts well over 800 delegates
worldwide, simulating a three day United Nations Conference.
GeMUN has debate rules, so to create a positive learning experience for everyone. Every Delegate has the duty to:
Respect the decisions of the Chair at all times; obtain the floor before speaking; stand when speaking;
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Yield the floor when required to do so by the Chair

Speak only when recognized by the Chair

Be courteous at all times
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Avoid the use of insulting or abusive language
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Use formal parliamentary language when speaking
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Avoid referring to other delegates by the use of personal pronouns such as “you”, but rather, by addressing
them as “Honorable Delegate” or “Mr. …”
Chairs
The chairs or presidents will decide to if to make an open or closed debate, how much time per each side of debate (if
closed debate), how many amendments will be debated, how much time per each clause, which motions to entertain…
In all matters, the decision of the Chair will be final.
Voting

Only delegates of the assembly may vote

A delegation votes by raising its placard
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After the President/Chair has announced the start of voting procedures, no interruptions will be allowed except
for points of order connected with the actual conduct of the voting
Amendments
When an amendment is moved to a proposal, the amendment shall be voted on before voting on the clause itself
Should a second amendment be moved to a proposal, this will be voted on before the vote is taken on the
first amendment. Where, however, the adoption of one amendment necessarily implies the rejection of
the other, the first amendment shall not be put to the vote.
Brief résumé of some key terms and phrases
Term
Point of Personal Privilege
Point of Order
Point of Personal Offence
Point of Information
Explanation
Is directed to the Chairs. This point is in order at any time,
the delegate should stand while pronouncing the point and
clearly state in an audible tone of voice: “Point of Personal
Privilege”
It is related to the well-being of the delegate. Cases which
require a Point of Personal Privilege are when, for
example:
 The delegate cannot hear what another speaker is
saying.
 The delegate is missing a copy of the clause
which is being debated.
 The delegate cannot understand the directions of
the Chair.
Is directed to the Chairs. This point is in order only when
no delegate is delivering a speech or asking/answering a
point of information. The delegate should stand while
pronouncing the point and clearly state in an audible tone
of voice: “Point of Order”
It is related to procedural matters and should be used to
inform the Chairs about any abnormality in the flow of
debate.
Is directed to the Chairs. This point is in order only when
no delegate is delivering a speech, or asking/answering a
point of information. The delegate should stand while
pronouncing the point and clearly state in an audible tone
of voice: “Point of Personal Offence”
It is realized when a delegate believes that he or she has
been offended either directly or indirectly by another
delegation in such a way which violates the GeMUN
Charter. It is up to the Chairs whether or not to accept a
Point of Personal Offence.
Is directed to the delegate currently owning the floor. This
point is in order only when no delegate is delivering a
speech and/or asking a point of information. After any
delegate has ended delivering his or her speech the Chair
will ask if he or she is open to points of information. If so,
the Chair will enquire whether any delegate in the house
wishes to ask a point of information. Delegates wishing to
do so must raise their placard and be recognized by the
Chair.
This point is used to ask the delegates clarifications with
respect to the content of his or her speech, or to enquire
specific details of such speech.
Motion to Move to the Previous Question
Motion to Move Into Voting Procedures
Is directed to the Chairs. This motion is in order only when
no delegate has been recognized to the floor. The
delegate should stand while pronouncing the point and
clearly state in an audible tone of voice: “Motion to Move
the Previous Question”
For the motion to be considered at least a “second” is
required. If there are any “objections” to the motion the
delegate who objected will automatically be given the floor.
The decision of the Chair with respect to whether or not
entertaining the motion will be final. In case the Chair
seconded the motion the house will enter voting
procedures. Two-thirds majority is required for the motion
to pass.
Motion to Approach the Chairs
This motion is used when any delegate feels like further
debate on the current clause or amendment would not
provide any significant information. In case a Motion to
Move to the Previous Question passed the house will
enter voting procedures on the current clause/amendment.
Is directed to the Chairs. This motion is in order only when
no delegate is delivering a speech or asking/answering a
point of information. The delegate should stand while
pronouncing the point and clearly state in an audible tone
of voice: “Motion to Approach the Chairs” The decision of
the Chair with respect to whether or not to second the
motion will be final.
This motion is used when a delegate needs to speak to
the Chairs privately. If the Chair seconds the motion the
delegate will be asked to approach the Chairs. Unless the
delegate has a specific reason for approaching the
Officers, normal communication should take place by
sending a message directed to the Chairs.