Cardano team releases an update to validators in preparation for the Chang hardfork

What’s new? The Cardano blockchain development team with the native token ADA has published a new version of Node 9.0 validator software. According to the network’s founder Charles Hoskinson, this is the final step in preparation for the Chang hardfork, which is designed to increase the decentralization of the project.

The software’s page on Github

What else is known? As Hoskinson noted, 70% of nodes must vote in favor of switching to the new software in order for the hardfork to take place. Chang will be the first step towards fully decentralizing Cardano’s governance. According to the roadmap, together with it begins the so-called “Age of Voltaire” — a period in the development of the project, characterized by large-scale changes in the political system of the network.

The changes are outlined in the Cardano Improvement Proposal (CIP) number 1694. According to it, the network will have delegate representatives (DReps) who will be elected by holders of ADA native tokens.

In turn, these representatives will draft a “Cardano Constitution”, which will become the main governing document of the network. Once adopted, DReps will be able to propose other improvements for Cardano in accordance with this document.

The notes for Node 9.0 state that it does not yet include DReps voting and all management actions, the full voting protocol will not be provided until version 10.0. Even so, the new version “supports entering the bootstrap phase of CIP-1694 in production environments.” Hoskinson noted that he expects the hardfork to begin on July 8 or 9.

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The Chang hardfork, first introduced in the 2024 roadmap, will introduce a new consensus mechanism to the network. As Hoskinson previously noted, once it is done, Cardano will “have the most advanced blockchain governance system, annual budgets, a treasury, and the wisdom of our entire community to guide” the project.

In early May, Hoskinson proposed integrating Cardano with the Bitcoin Cash (BCH) network. He said this would allow Bitcoin Cash to become the fastest and most useful blockchain with the Proof of Work (PoW) consensus algorithm. The initiative in the developer’s X-account was supported by 69% of users.

In late May, ADA dropped out of the top 10 cryptocurrencies by market capitalization for the first time in several years. At the time of writing, it ranks 11th at $13,3 billion and is trading at $0,3738, having lost 1% overnight. The weekly drop was 9,4%, and the asset has lost 37,2% since the beginning of the year.