MAIP-1.2:
Security Council

Abstract

The Security Council, a key component of Manta Network's governance architecture, serves as an on-chain entity with a specific focus on proposing referenda, mitigating dangerous or malicious proposals, and overseeing the Technical Committee's election. This abstract provides a concise overview of the Security Council's role and its interaction with the broader governance structure.

Motivation

The establishment of the Security Council is motivated by the need to introduce a robust governance mechanism capable of handling key decision-making processes within Manta Network. This motivation stems from the desire to create a secure and reliable framework that ensures the integrity and stability of the network's governance.

Rationale

Council

The council functions as an on-chain entity consisting of multiple members represented by on-chain accounts. With three current members on Manta Atlantic, its primary responsibilities include proposing referenda, preventing uncontroversially dangerous proposals, and participating in the election of the Technical Committee.

Council motions can generally only be submitted by council members. However, any individual can initiate the process by submitting a preimage, subject to review and approval by council members before progressing to the formal council motion.

Prime member

Prime member whose vote acts as the default for other members that fail to vote before the timeout.

The purpose of having a prime council member is to ensure a quorum, even when several members abstain from a vote. Council members might be tempted to vote a "soft rejection" or a "soft approval" by not voting and letting the others vote. The existence of a prime member forces councilors to be explicit in their votes or have their vote counted for whatever is voted on by the prime.

Council Motion Approval Mechanism

Council motions typically require a 2/3 (66.7%) super-majority for approval, although certain proposals may necessitate a 3/3 (100%) consensus. The specific threshold depends on the nature of the proposal.

Technical Committee (TC)

The Technical Committee (TC) comprises teams that have successfully implemented or specified Manta Atlantic runtime or Manta Atlantic Host. The TC safeguards against malicious referenda, implements bug fixes, reverses faulty runtime updates, and adds battle-tested features. It utilizes the Democracy pallet to fast-track proposals, serving as a unique origin without proposal generation capabilities.

Technical Committee Approval Mechanism

The approval of a council motion depends on the set threshold determined by the submitting TC member. Once votes reach the specified threshold, the proposal is passed.

Only TC members have the authority to submit council motions.

Implementation Steps

To translate the proposed governance framework outlined in MAIP-1.2 into action, a series of meticulously planned steps will be taken. Each step is crucial to ensure alignment with Manta Network's commitments to transparency, responsible financial management, and community participation.
  • Establishment of the Security Council:

    The initial phase involves the formation of the Security Council, comprising members with diverse backgrounds and expertise. The formation of the council is a meticulous process, ensuring representation from key entities in the blockchain space.

  • Clarify Council Responsibilities:

    Following its formation, the roles and responsibilities of the Security Council will be clearly defined. This includes specifying its tasks of proposing referenda, reviewing potential risk proposals, and actively participating in Technical Committee elections. Clearly outlining these responsibilities is crucial for providing a transparent and responsible governance structure.

  • Selection of Prime Members:

    A key aspect is the selection of prime members within the council. Prime members play a crucial role, as their votes act as default votes when other members fail to vote before the timeout. The selection process ensures prime members are familiar with the nuances of Manta Network governance and possess the integrity required for this pivotal position.

  • Development of Council Motion Submission Mechanism:

    Concurrently, the mechanism for submitting council motions will be established. The implementation of an effective submission process ensures that council members can propose actions aligned with the interests of the network. Additionally, formalizing provisions for the submission of preimages by external contributors promotes inclusivity in the decision-making process.