Asian Parliamentary is a three-on-three debate format used at competitions across Southeast Asia, South Asia, and Australasia. This guide covers the complete rules — speech order, timing, POI rules, reply speeches, and how to run a round correctly.
All rules preloaded — 7-minute speeches, automatic POI signal, reply speech order. No signup.
Open Asian Parli timer →Asian Parliamentary debate involves two teams of three speakers — the Government (also called Proposition) and the Opposition. Each speaker gives one constructive speech. After all six constructives, one speaker from each team gives a reply speech. The Opposition reply comes before the Government reply, giving the Government the last word.
| # | Speech | Speaker | Time | POI Window |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Prime Minister | Gov Speaker 1 | 7:00 | 1:00 – 6:00 |
| 2 | Leader of Opposition | Opp Speaker 1 | 7:00 | 1:00 – 6:00 |
| 3 | Deputy Prime Minister | Gov Speaker 2 | 7:00 | 1:00 – 6:00 |
| 4 | Deputy Leader of Opposition | Opp Speaker 2 | 7:00 | 1:00 – 6:00 |
| 5 | Government Whip | Gov Speaker 3 | 7:00 | 1:00 – 6:00 |
| 6 | Opposition Whip | Opp Speaker 3 | 7:00 | 1:00 – 6:00 |
| 7 | Opposition Reply | Opp Speaker 1 or 2 | 4:00 | None |
| 8 | Government Reply | Gov Speaker 1 or 2 | 4:00 | None |
POIs are a core feature of Asian Parliamentary debate. During each 7-minute constructive speech, the opposing team may offer POIs between the 1-minute and 6-minute marks. The first minute and the last minute of each speech are protected — no POIs may be offered during these times.
To offer a POI, a debater stands up and says "Point of information," "On that point," or simply "POI." The speaker then decides whether to accept or decline. If the speaker accepts, the debater asking the POI has approximately 15 seconds to make their interjection. The speaker's clock continues running during the POI.
Speakers are generally expected to accept 1 to 2 POIs per speech. Accepting zero POIs is considered evasive and may be noted by adjudicators. Offering too many POIs can be seen as disruptive. POIs should be genuine questions or brief rebuttals — not speeches in themselves.
DebateClock displays an amber POI badge on the debater display that appears automatically at 1:00 and disappears at 6:00 of each constructive speech. Both the speaker and the adjudicator can see at a glance whether the POI window is open without checking a watch.
Each team gives one reply speech at the end of the round. The reply speech is given by either the 1st or 2nd speaker — the 3rd speaker (Whip) may not give the reply. The Opposition reply comes before the Government reply, giving the Government team the last word in the round.
The reply speech is a biased adjudication of the round — the speaker summarises why their team won the debate without introducing new arguments. Reply speeches are 4 minutes each and have no POI window.
Asian Parliamentary rounds typically use impromptu motions. Teams receive the motion and are given a preparation period — usually 30 minutes to 1 hour — before the round begins. During preparation, teams may use notes and discuss strategy, but may not receive outside assistance once the round has started.
Some tournaments use prepared motions announced in advance. The rules for each tournament should be confirmed with the tournament director.
The standard bell schedule for Asian Parliamentary is:
For reply speeches: single bell at 3:00, double bell at 4:00. DebateClock plays these bells automatically at the correct times.
Asian Parliamentary rounds are typically adjudicated by a panel of one to three judges. The adjudicators evaluate matter (content and arguments), manner (delivery and style), and method (structure and strategy). The team that wins the majority of adjudicator votes wins the round.
DebateClock is an informational timing aid. Always defer to the tournament director and official adjudication panel for any disputes about timing or procedure.