Cardano is a blockchain platform designed to be secure, scalable, and sustainable. To give the community more control, Cardano is rolling out upgrades to decentralize the network entirely. The Plomin hard fork is a key part, taking the earlier Chang upgrade even further to improve governance.
In this article, you’ll learn about the key objectives of the Plomin hard fork, the governance process, and the structural changes it brings to Cardano’s ecosystem. Additionally, we’ll walk you through the simple guide to delegating your voting power.
What is the Plomin Hard Fork?
The Plomin hard fork is a significant upgrade to Cardano, scheduled for January 2025. This upgrade aims to fully implement the on-chain governance mechanisms, transitioning Cardano into a community-led protocol.
The Plomin (formerly known as Chang 2) marks the second phase of the Chang upgrade, which began in September 2024. While the initial Chang upgrade laid the foundation for decentralized governance, Plomin aims to fully realize this vision by eliminating the need for a central authority to oversee key protocol decisions.
Key objectives of the Plomin hard fork:
- Full Decentralization: Enables a fully decentralized governance system.
- Gradual Implementation: The phased release of governance features simplifies participant onboarding.
- Finalization of On-Chain Governance: Moves CIP-1694 from the bootstrapping phase to full governance implementation.
The Chang 1 upgrade was completed on September 1, 2024, initiating the governance framework. The Plomin upgrade will finalize this process, introducing Delegated Representatives (DReps) and enabling all governance actions.
Following Matthew Plomin’s unexpected passing in November 2024, the Cardano community honored him by renaming the second phase of the upgrade.
Governance Process
The governance action for the Plomin upgrade was submitted on December 20, 2024, marking the beginning of the voting process. The decision hinges on two key entities:
- Stake Pool Operators (SPOs): Responsible for deciding whether the upgrade should proceed.
- Intersect Constitutional Committee (ICC): Plays a crucial role in approving governance actions.
For the Plomin Hard Fork to be activated, at least 51% of SPOs need to vote in favor of the upgrade. As of January 21, 2025, 63.56% of the total stake has voted “Yes.”
Cardano’s Governance Structure
Cardano’s governance framework, as described in CIP-1694, revolves around three key roles:
- DReps (Delegate Representatives): Represent ADA holders who delegate their voting power.
- Constitutional Committee (CC): Ensures the enforcement of Cardano’s on-chain constitution.
- Stake Pool Operators (SPOs): Maintain blockchain security and contribute to governance.
Delegating Voting Power to a DRep
Delegation allows ADA holders to transfer their voting power, equivalent to their wallet balance, to a representative who votes on their behalf.
Essential Changes for Stakers:
- Staking Rewards Remain Unchanged: Rewards will continue to accrue as usual for ADA holders.
- Withdrawal Process Before the Hard Fork: Rewards can still be withdrawn normally without additional requirements.
- Withdrawing Rewards After the Plomin Hard Fork: ADA holders must delegate to a DRep to withdraw rewards after the hard fork.
- Rewards Accrual Without DRep Delegation: Even without delegating to a DRep after the hard fork, rewards will continue to accrue to the ADA holder. However, they cannot be withdrawn until delegation to a DRep is completed.
How to Delegate Your Voting Power to a DRep?
Delegating your voting power in Cardano is a straightforward process. Follow these easy steps to participate in governance
Step 1: Access the Delegation Platform
- Go to Cardano Govtool and click Connect Wallet, or use Cardanoscan.
Step 2: Navigate to the Dashboard
- Once your wallet is connected, you’ll see the dashboard where you can delegate your voting power.
- Click on View DRep Directory.
Step 3: Select a DRep
- Use the search bar or browse the list for a Delegate Representative (DRep).
- Click Delegate.
Step 4: Confirm the Transaction
- Follow the prompts to confirm your delegation.
Congratulations! You have successfully delegated your voting power to a DRep.
Automated Voting Options
In addition to manual delegation, you have two automated voting options:
- Vote Abstain (Default Option)
This option indicates your participation in governance without supporting or opposing proposals. Your voting power will still count toward the quorum.
- Signal “No Confidence” on Every Vote
This option automatically votes “NO” on all proposals and “YES” on no-confidence proposals. Use this if you have lost trust in the Constitutional Committee and wish for its replacement.
Last Words
The Cardano Plomin hard fork is a huge step in the evolution of the network’s governance. As the second phase of the Chang upgrade, Plomin aims to establish fully decentralized governance, allowing ADA holders to have a direct say in the protocol’s future.
By embracing delegation, the Cardano community helps drive the network toward sustainability, innovation, and long-term success, making decentralized governance a reality for all stakeholders.
Join Cardano governance by following this easy guide from us!
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