Moderated Caucuses
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Similar to the GSL, a Moderated Caucus is a one-at-a-time form of debate where delegates queue to speak. However, unlike the GSL, a Moderated Caucus is used when the council wishes to have a more focused discussion on a specific part of the debate topic.
Delegates speaking on a Moderated Caucus must speak about the topic of the Moderated Caucus.
Moderated Caucuses can be requested, or motioned, by any delegate. The motion will be placed on a procedural vote by the council, and if the majority of the council agrees to the motion, the debate will move to the Moderated Caucus.
A formal request by a delegate.
There are various types of motions that can be raised by a delegate. Most motions will only be carried out once voted upon by the council.
See also: Motions and Voting
A formal voting process by the council to pass a motion.
In most councils, a motion will pass if more than 50% of the delegates vote for the motion. This is known as a simple majority.
The percentage of delegates that must vote for a motion, in order for the motion to pass.
Most of the time, the simple majority is set at >50%. Note that this means if exactly 50% of the delegates vote for a motion, the motion will not pass.
Raising a motion for a Moderated Caucus
A delegate who wishes to raise a motion for a Moderated Caucus must state the following information.
- Topic of the Moderated Caucus
- Speaking time per delegate
- Total time for the Moderated Caucus (i.e. total number of speakers)
Motions can only be raised when the Dais calls for motions.
Occasionally, between speeches on the GSL, the chairs will call for motions.
Dais: The Dais will now be calling for motions from the floor. Are there any such motions?
Delegates who wish to raise a motion will raise their placard. The delegate of Denmark would like to raise a motion for a Moderated Caucus.
[Denmark raises their placard.]
Dais: Delegate of Denmark, what is your motion?
Denmark: Motion for a Moderated Caucus of 15 minutes, 1.5 minutes per speaker, on the topic of “Press Freedom in Nordic Countries”.
Dais: That is in order.
Now, the entire council will vote on the motion.
Dais: We will now vote on the delegate of Denmark’s motion for a Moderated Caucus of 15 minutes, 1.5 minutes per speaker, on the topic of “Press Freedom in Nordic Countries”.
Dais: Delegates voting for this motion, please raise your placard.
[11 out of 20 raise their placard.]
Dais: Delegates voting against this motion, please raise your placard.
[9 out of 20 raise their placard.]
Dais: Seeing as a simple majority has been reached, this motion passes.
The council will now move into the Moderated Caucus. We will talk more about voting and motions later.
Transitioning from GSL to Moderated Caucus
The delegate who calls for the motion can choose whether they wish to speak first or last. Then, the chairs will call for speakers in the Moderated Caucus.
If there are insufficient speakers in the Moderated Caucus, the chairs will call for more speakers once the last (or second-to-last) speaker has spoken. At this stage, repeat speakers are usually allowed.
The delegate of Denmark has motioned for a Moderated Caucus, and a simple majority has been reached. The council will now move into the Moderated Caucus.
Dais: Delegate of Denmark, would you like to speak first or last?
Denmark: Last, please.
The chairs will call for speakers on the Moderated Caucus by asking delegates to raise their placards.
Dais: Delegates who wish to speak in the Moderated Caucus, please raise your placards.
[Many delegates raise their placards.]
Through the absolute wizardry of António Guterres, the chairs will add delegates to the list of speakers.
- Russia
- United Kingdom
- Finland
- China
- Norway
- United States
- Japan
- Singapore
- Australia
- Denmark (last speaker)
Dais: Delegate of Russia, you have been recognised.
No yielding during the Moderated Caucus
Delegates cannot yield their time after their speech during a Moderated Caucus. You do not need to yield your time back to the Dais after your speech.
After the Moderated Caucus
When the time for the Moderated Caucus elapses, the council moves back to the GSL.