coinspress.com
Cardano has completed a major upgrade, called the Chang hard fork, marking the beginning of its "Conway ledger era."
This update, which took place on September 1, introduces significant changes to the blockchain’s governance system. Now, any Cardano (ADA) holder can participate in decision-making, as the project moves into its “Voltaire” phase of decentralized governance.
One of the key components of this upgrade is Cardano Improvement Proposal-1694, which establishes a framework for direct voting and delegation. It also sets up a constitutional committee and introduces new roles for stake pool operators. These changes will gradually be implemented over the next 90 days.
The Cardano Foundation emphasized that the initial phase of this upgrade focuses on ensuring a smooth transition to the new governance model. The second phase, planned for 2025, will further develop community-driven governance.
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In addition to governance changes, the upgrade also brings enhancements to smart contracts, including new cryptographic features and performance improvements. Cardano co-founder Charles Hoskinson highlighted the importance of this milestone, saying it empowers the entire community to have a say in the protocol’s future.