International Monterrey
Model United Nations Simulation
American School Foundation of Monterrey
Introduction to IMMUNS Parliamentary Procedure
What is it?
The parliamentary procedure is a series of phrases and procedures that help guide and
structure debates, as well as helps create an environment of diplomacy and respect between
delegates.
All IMMUNS debates will be held using the parliamentary procedure.
What does it consist of?
The parliamentary procedure outlines the debate structure. It does this through a series of
motions. Each motion within the procedure corresponds to a different action; some help
delegates communicate with the chair, others open different kinds of debates, others are used
for personal inquiry others to open the session.
As mentioned before, the parliamentary procedure provides the debate structure.
IMMUNS committees will usually abide by following agenda and motions:
● Opening the Session: This motion officially begins the session. The motion is passed
through majority vote
● Roll Call: After the session has been opened, the chair will begin roll call. The director
will call each delegation’s name, delegates must respond to their country’s name by lifting their
placard and stating “present and voting”
● Opening the topic: Most IMMUNS committees will be debating a total of two topics in the
course of the three simulation days. Therefore, the committee must vote to open either Topic A
or Topic B for discussion. Both topics will eventually be discussed.
● The Speaker’s List: Most debates will begin with a speaker’s list in which delegates will
get the opportunity to read their position papers aloud to the committee. A speaker’s list is
composed of three elements: Time, questions and follow-ups. Time refers to the time each
delegate will have to read his/her position paper. Questions refer to the number of questions the
committee is allowed to make to the speaker, and follow-ups to the amount of follow-up’s a
delegate is granted after they have already posed a question. When opening a speaker’s list, the
chair will ask the delegate to establish the time, questions and follow-ups. The motion passes
through majority vote.
● Moderate Debate: After a couple of delegates have passed in the speaker’s list, it is in
order to open a moderate debate. A moderate debate allows for a more fluid discussion of
solutions and is regulated by the chair. The moderator calls upon delegates to speak. When
opening a moderate debate, the chair will ask the delegate to establish the time for the
moderate debate. The delegate who opens the moderate debate is the first to have the floor
during it.
● Unmoderate debate: Unmoderate debates are usually used when the committee is
approaching resolution writing. In unmoderate debates, the chair no longer regulates the
AVE. MORONES PRIETO 1500 • SANTA CATARINA, N.L. MÉXICO 66190
TELEPHONE: (81) 8288-4400 • FAX: (81) 8288-4455
www.immuns.org
International Monterrey
Model United Nations Simulation
American School Foundation of Monterrey
debate, delegates are allowed to stand up and move around the room freely, as well as establish
direct conversation. Delegates must continue to speak in the official committee language and
stay on topic.
● Resolution passing: When the committee has agreed upon a draft resolution, they must
submit the document to the director. The director will make sure it is in proper format.
Afterwards, delegates will have the opportunity of presenting the final document to the
committee in preparation for voting. Resolution voting is done by roll call. The number of votes
required for a resolution to pass depends on the committee.
● Closing the session: The session must be closed each time the committee leaves the
room, for either breaks, lunch, or at the end of the day.
Common Motions:
The IMMUNS parliamentary procedure uses certain phrases and motions to carry out the
debates. These are the most common. Most will be provided at the back of each delegate’s
placard:
Motion
Motion to open the session...
Motion to open Topic __...
Motion to open the speaker’s list for __
minutes, __ questions and ___ follow ups...
Point of Information...
Follow-up...
Point of Personal Privilege...
Purpose
Serves to open the session. Passes through
majority vote.
Serves to open the topic. Passes through
majority vote.
Opens the speaker’s list, passes through
majority vote.
Serves to ask a question to the delegate
reading his/her position paper on the speaker’s
list. Approved by the chair.
Serves to ask a follow-up question to the
delegate reading his/her position paper on the
speaker’s list. Only applicable after a previous
question has been made through Point of
information and the asking delegate has not
given up the floor.
Serves to ask the chair a question regarding
the structure of the debate or conditions of the
room. For example, if the room is too cold, or a
delegate is confused about a motion or how to
proceed.
AVE. MORONES PRIETO 1500 • SANTA CATARINA, N.L. MÉXICO 66190
TELEPHONE: (81) 8288-4400 • FAX: (81) 8288-4455
www.immuns.org
International Monterrey
Model United Nations Simulation
American School Foundation of Monterrey
Point of Order...
Motion to open an (un)moderate debate...
Motion to extend the (un)moderate debate for
___….
Serves to point out a fault in the parliamentary
procedure. Does not require that the chair call
upon the delegate.
Serves to open a debate. Delegates will be
asked to establish the time. The delegate who
opens the debate, will be the first to speak in
it. Passes by majority vote.
Debates be extended, but only once and for an
amount of time less than what the original one
lasted for.
Important things to keep in mind:
● Delegates may not use personal pronouns during the debate. Phrases such as “I think”,
“You” and “me” should be avoided. Delegates should opt for speaking in third person, or using
phrases such as “my country believes...”, “your delegation mentioned…”
● Delegates must rise to their motions. This means they must stand when declaring their
motion. After the chair calls upon a delegate, he/she must stand, declare their motion, wait for
the chair’s approval and then continue.
● Most simulations have their own slightly different version of parliamentary procedure.
The one outlined above is IMMUNS’s version, and the one that will be used during debates.
In conclusion, the parliamentary procedure serves to formalize, professionalize and
structure debate.
The best way to learn parliamentary procedure is by using it, so don’t worry about not
being familiar with it before the simulation, you’ll catch on quickly. Also, keep in mind that your
chairs are there to help you with any doubt you might have. Don’t be afraid to ask them for help
if you feel lost.
Good luck and have fun debating!
AVE. MORONES PRIETO 1500 • SANTA CATARINA, N.L. MÉXICO 66190
TELEPHONE: (81) 8288-4400 • FAX: (81) 8288-4455
www.immuns.org