Rules of procedure.
GIMUN follows standard Model UN parliamentary rules, built to keep debate moving and open to first-time and experienced delegates alike.
01The debate
How a debate runs.
Roll call and quorum
The chairs read the country roster. Answer 'Present' to keep the right to abstain on resolutions, or 'Present and voting' to give it up and vote Yes or No. Quorum is one third of assigned countries. Tip: say 'Present' if you may need to stay neutral.
General speakers list
Speeches of 90 seconds by default; the list stays open across sessions. Finish early and you must yield your remaining time. Tip: yielding to points of information shows command of your position.
Caucuses
Between speeches, move a moderated caucus to debate one sub-issue, or an unmoderated caucus to negotiate, draft clauses and merge blocs. Tip: keep a moderated caucus topic narrow so speeches stay concrete.
Drafting a resolution
Blocs combine preambulatory and operative clauses. Once the chairs approve format and mandate, the text gets a draft resolution code and is introduced to the room. Tip: two or three active authors amend faster than a long sponsor list.
Voting
A two-thirds motion closes debate and the doors close. Amendments are voted first, then draft resolutions in the order they were tabled. Tip: in a roll-call vote you may pass once; on the second call you must vote.
02Motions
Motions and points, in order.
8 motions shown
- 01
Point of Personal Privilege
Audibility, room temperature, physical discomfort, or technical hindrance.
Raise your placard immediately if you cannot hear the speaker. Never wait until the speech concludes.
- Interrupts
- Yes (only for audibility)
- Second
- No
- Vote
- Dais Discretion
- 02
Point of Order
Procedural error or violation of parliamentary rules by delegate or Dais.
Use strictly for procedural breaches, never to debate or challenge the factual accuracy of a speech.
- Interrupts
- Yes
- Second
- No
- Vote
- Dais Ruling
- 03
Point of Parliamentary Inquiry
Question addressed to the Dais regarding RoP, agenda order, or next procedure.
Entertained only when the floor is open between speeches. Great for clarifying voting majorities.
- Interrupts
- No
- Second
- No
- Vote
- Dais Clarification
- 04
Motion for Moderated Caucus
Structured debate on a specific sub-topic with designated total time & individual speaker limit.
Specify Topic, Total Time (e.g., 9 mins), and Individual Time (e.g., 45 secs). Must divide evenly.
- Interrupts
- No
- Second
- Yes
- Vote
- Simple Majority (50% + 1)
- 05
Motion for Unmoderated Caucus
Informal suspension of formal rules for bilateral negotiations, alliance building, and drafting.
Max recommended time is 15–20 minutes. Use to consolidate multiple working papers into single blocs.
- Interrupts
- No
- Second
- Yes
- Vote
- Simple Majority (50% + 1)
- 06
Motion to Introduce Working Paper
Distribute and project Dais-approved policy proposals without formal debate restrictions.
Requires Dais approval number before introducing. Working papers do not require formal signatories.
- Interrupts
- No
- Second
- Yes
- Vote
- Dais Discretion / Simple
- 07
Motion to Introduce Draft Resolution
Formally introduce a comprehensive resolution document approved by the Dais, with Sponsors & Signatories.
Requires 2+ primary Sponsors and at least 20% of the committee present as Signatories.
- Interrupts
- No
- Second
- Yes
- Vote
- Simple Majority (50% + 1)
- 08
Motion to Enter Voting Procedure
Close substantive debate immediately and move directly into voting on tabled draft resolutions.
Once passed, committee doors lock, all note passing ceases, and no one may enter or leave the chamber.
- Interrupts
- No
- Second
- Yes
- Vote
- 2/3 Majority Required
03Yields
Three ways to yield.
Yield to the chair
Your remaining seconds return to the chairs. The floor reopens for motions or the next speaker, and no questions may be put to you.
“The delegate of France yields the remaining time to the chair.”
Yield to another delegate
Your time passes to an ally, who may accept or decline. If they accept, they speak for the remainder but cannot yield again.
“I yield my remaining time to the distinguished delegate of Japan.”
Yield to points of information
The floor may question you. The chairs recognize non-argumentative questions, and answers come out of your remaining time.
“I yield my remaining time to points of information.”
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