Debates

What happens? How do they work?

It is always a bit daunting in the beginning when you don't know what's happening next.  This page will help you to understand what is going on and why, and how and when you're supposed to participate.

Debate length will be specified at the beginning of the debate. It is usually around two hours, however delegates may opt to extend debate time if neccessary, This also works to move straight into voting procedure, the decision is made by the chair with consideration of vote and the debate situation.

In the debate, only the operative clauses are read and debated and amended.

The purpose of the preambulatory clauses is to give all types of background information about the topic, in order to:

• "Persuade" people that it is dealing with an important topic, that it is a good resolution, that it fits within the general policy of the UN, etc., etc.

The Operative Clauses are read and the floor is open to policy statements followed by debate. This can either be open debate where the delegates are able to take the floor and argue both for and against the resolution at any given point. It can also be closed debate, where time is given for the resolution and time is given against the resolution. The motion to move into "time against " is called by the chair, or delegates may motion to the chair.

If a delegate wishes to take the floor, they must raise thier placard and wait to be recognised by the chair. The delegate must then take the floor and present the house with an argument stating their impression of the resolution and any criticisms or points the delegate finds particularily useful. The aim is to convince the rest of the forum to vote in the same direction as the delegate holding the floor. When the delegate has finished their speech he/she may choose to accept points of Information, by specifying to the chair

1. Whether or not they will accept Points of Information.

 

2.How many they are willing to accept.

 

After the speech has been made and all points of information been taken the delegate must yield the floor. They may yield the floor back to the chair or, if they wish, yield the floor to another delegate who holds the same opinion of the resolution.

When time for debate has expired, the House will move into time for amendments (see amendments) which are each called up and individually argued and voted on. Once all Amendments have been considered, the Voting procedure may begin. All Member Nations hold one vote. NGO's (Non-Governmental Organisations) may not vote. Delegates may vote For or Against or they may obstain. Votes are collected and the result derived. The debate is then over, with the resolution either successful or failed.