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Understanding the proposal process in polkadot governance

Polkadot Proposals | Inside the Governance Process

By

Raj Patel

Jun 1, 2025, 01:36 PM

Edited By

Leo Zhang

2 minutes reading time

Illustration showing a flowchart of the proposal process in Polkadot governance with DAO elements
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A rising interest surrounds Polkadotโ€™s governance proposals, as users lean on Polkassembly to voice essential network changes. With recent discussions pending, people are exploring whether Polkadot qualifies as a DAO. The outcome could reshape perceptions of decentralized governance.

What Are Polkadot Proposals?

Proposals on Polkassembly focus solely on the governance of the Polkadot network. Unlike other decentralized autonomous organizations utilizing Polkadot for governance, these proposals are integral to community operations. "These proposals are part of our on-chain governance system," said one contributor.

How It Works

  • Submission: Anyone can submit a proposal by locking up some DOT.

  • Voting: DOT holders engage in voting on various changes, including software upgrades or budget allocations.

  • Execution: Once a proposal passes, it's automatically enacted by the protocol.

The system emphasizes community involvement, allowing participants to influence the network directly. According to sources, Polkadot operates as a DAO, governed entirely by its community of DOT holders, creating a unique ecosystem.

โ€œYou can definitely consider Polkadot a DAO,โ€ a participant noted, highlighting the community-driven approach.

Sentiment Among Community Members

Engagement from the community remains positive. Many participants appreciate the opportunity to shape governance directly. As stated in the comments:

  • ๐Ÿ’ฌ "The proposals are essential for our networkโ€™s evolution."

  • โœŠ๐Ÿฝ "Thank you so much for clarifying this process!"

This enthusiasm illustrates how community-driven initiatives thrive in decentralized networks.

Key Points to Note

  • ๐Ÿก† Proposals on Polkassembly are for Polkadot governance only.

  • โš–๏ธ DOT holders have direct influence through voting.

  • ๐Ÿ—๏ธ Polkadot functions as a DAO, managed by its community.

Undoubtedly, the governance process in Polkadot influences broader discussions about decentralized organizations. As people continue to explore these dynamics, how will this shape future governance frameworks?

The Road Ahead for Polkadot Governance

Thereโ€™s a strong chance that Polkadot will see a surge in governance participation as more people become aware of their ability to shape network changes. Experts estimate around 60% of DOT holders could engage in the voting process, given the rising interest in decentralized governance. This increased engagement may not only lead to more innovative proposals but also a stronger sense of community among participants. As Polkadot evolves, we can expect more frequent discussions about its structure as a DAO, which could further influence how similar frameworks are established in other decentralized networks in the future.

A Lesson from the Past

This situation mirrors the early days of community-driven initiatives in open-source software development. Much like the grassroots movements seen in projects such as Linux, the active involvement of individuals can lead to rapid advancements and improvements. In those scenarios, contributions often resulted in surprising innovations that shifted the industry standard. This parallel underscores how collective governance can propel not just the immediate project but the entire ecosystem surrounding it, fostering a culture of collaboration and shared ownership.