KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Astar Network is transitioning to a decentralized governance model inspired by Polkadot, empowering ASTR token holders in decision-making.
- The new governance system includes features like stake-weighted referenda and batch approval voting to enhance democratic participation.
- Subsquare platform facilitates easy access to governance activities, with the initial launch set for December 2, 2024.
- Governance V1 balances decentralization with centralized response capabilities for network security.
Astar Network is set to transition from a centralized governance model to a more decentralized system with the introduction of Governance V1. This new governance framework is inspired by Polkadot’s model, which has been successfully adopted by other parachains within the Polkadot ecosystem. The shift aims to empower the community and ASTR token holders, allowing them to play a significant role in shaping the future of Astar.
The Astar Foundation will continue to lead the development of the network and drive growth initiatives within the broader Astar ecosystem. The new governance system is designed to foster a more democratic and resilient ecosystem.
Decentralized Governance Framework
Astar’s governance system is an onchain mechanism that enables the network to evolve through the collective decision-making of its stakeholders. The core principle is to ensure that the majority of the stake can guide the network’s development. This governance model is a key pillar in Astar’s evolution, expanding ASTR utility to Soneium and the Superchain ecosystem.
Key features of the governance system include stake-weighted referenda, Adaptive Quorum Biasing, and batch approval voting. These elements allow token holders and councils to collaboratively shape the protocol. Governance proposals can originate from the public (token holders) or the Council, with public proposals advancing to referendums for stakeholder voting if they receive sufficient endorsement.
The governance process ensures inclusivity and flexibility, allowing token holders to vote directly or delegate their voting power. Decisions made through this system are executed after an enactment period, maintaining transparency and adaptability for Astar’s continuous evolution.
Accessible Governance Participation
Astar’s governance is accessible through Subsquare, a user-friendly platform designed to streamline participation in governance activities. Subsquare simplifies the voting process, empowering every user to engage with ease. The initial governance launch period is scheduled to begin on December 2, 2024, following a runtime upgrade to enable onchain governance on the Astar Network.
Governance V1 is based on the initial version of Polkadot’s governance, distinct from the current OpenGov model. This model offers a degree of decentralization while retaining centralized entities capable of swiftly responding to network threats or emergencies. The decision to adopt this model was made to provide a solid foundation for introducing onchain governance without reinventing the wheel.
For more information, the full announcement can be found here.
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