Enforcing correct procedures

The chair of the meeting must follow the correct procedures during the meeting. If the chair fails to do so, then the meeting participants may have to assist the chair in enforcing the correct procedures.

Quorum
In the absence of a quorum, no business, except to adjourn can be conducted. Any resolutions passed in the absence of a quorum are invalid. (Rule #97)

Quorum count
The presence of a quorum may be questioned and a quorum count demanded at any time.

Discussion can be interrupted but not while a speaker has the floor. This motion does not require seconding and does not require a vote. It is in the nature of a demand.

If the chair is satisfied that the quorum is present, he or she rejects the demand. (Rule #99)

Enforcing correct procedure
The chairman must act fairly, in good faith, honestly and without malice. The chair may be removed from the meeting if he or she refuses to put proper questions to the meeting. (Rule #85)

Point of order
A point of order enables a voter to insist on strict compliance with the rules of order or to draw attention to a violation of the rules of order.

For this purpose a speaker may be interrupted. All business stops until the point of order is decided. The chairman asks the interrupter to state the point of order. It must be decided immediately. The chairman's decision is final unless overturned by the courts. It does not need a seconder and it does not require a vote. (Rule #108)

Parliamentary inquiry
A demand for a parliamentary inquiry allows a voter to ask the chairman or the speaker questions about the procedure being followed or the result of such procedure. The speaker may be interrupted and it must be dealt with immediately. It does not need a second and does not require a vote.

Every voter has a right to know the proper procedures and it is the duty of the chairman to know and to be able to explain the rules of order. (Rule #109)

Point of information
A point of information demand is to enable the voter to have answered basic questions which are necessary for the understanding of the motion on the floor. Every voter has a right to have the motion read to him or her.

The speaker may be interrupted and it must be dealt with immediately. It does not need seconding and does not require a vote. (Rule #110)

Question of privilege
All persons who have a right to attend the meeting may raise a question of privilege if:
• his or her personal comfort is wanting. (the room too hot/cold)
• he or she cannot hear the speaker.
• the person has been subjected to insult or abuse.

The speaker may be interrupted and the question of privilege must be dealt with immediately. It does not need a second and does not require a vote. (Rule #111)

Discussion and debate
Every person entitled to vote has an inherent right to speak and be heard without interruption. (Rule # 154)

The chairman should be careful not to stifle debate. (Rule # 159)

Interrupting a speaker (Rule # 165)
A speaker should not be interrupted except by a voter who has:
1. Point of order
2. Parliamentary inquiry.
3. Point of Information.
4. Question of privilege.

top  contents  chapter  previous  next