Staff Site Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta

Parliamentary
Debating
Rachmat
Nurcahyo,M.A.
rachmat_nurcahyo@uny
.ac.id

Teams
4 teams:
Opening Government (Prime Minister,
Deputy Prime Minister)
Opening Opposition (Leader of
Opposition, Deputy Leader of Opposition)
Closing Government (Government
Member, Government Whip)
Closing Opposition (Opposition Member
and Opposition Whip)

Set-up of a BP Debate

Opening

Government

Closing
Government

Opening
Opposition

Closing
Opposition

Format of BP Debate
Only 1 motion is announced for each round.
All teams have 20 minutes to casebuild
started right after the Motion Launch
The government must propose the motion.
The opposition must negate the motion and
present an alternative (ie. the status quo or
counter model).
Each speaker has 7 minutes to speak.

Points of Information (POI) are allowed
between the 2nd and 6th minute.

Roles - Opening Government
The OG has to set up the debate – ie.
present the context/problem, define the
motion, set a parameter, propose a model
(if necessary).
The PM and DPM should present different
arguments – ie. through a split.
The PM and DPM should present logically
consistent arguments.
The OG should present the bulk of the
government’s case.

Roles - Opening Opposition
The OO should negate the motion and
present an alternative – ie. the status quo or
counter model.

The LO and DLO should present different
arguments – ie. through a split.
The LO and DLO should present logically
consistent arguments.
The OO should present the bulk of the
opposition’s case.

Roles - Closing Government
and Closing Opposition
Closing teams should aim to:
Move the debate to a different area.
Be distinct from the opening teams.
Both GM and OM should present an
extension – ie. new arguments, deeper
analysis.
Both GW and OW should deliver rebuttals
and replies. No new materials/arguments!