CC Election 2026 Overview
How to Participate in CC Elections Process facilitated by Intersect?
The CC elections applications and voting will happen in the Intersect Hydra-Voting Tool built by Intersect's member Ekklesia
You can access the tool at hydra-voting.intersectmbo.org and check documentation and guide at docs.hydra-voting.intersectmbo.org
Important
The election process facilitated by Intersect determines which candidates are selected by the DReps to be part of the Update Committee governance action.
Final appointment as Constitutional Committee members occurs only after successful on-chain ratification and enactment of the Update Committee governance action.
A structured process for community selection
In 2026, the Cardano ecosystem will elect new members to the Constitutional Committee (CC), a core governance body responsible for interpreting and upholding the Constitution.
This election provides ada holders, through Delegated Representatives (DReps), with the ability to select candidates who will play a critical role in safeguarding the constitutional integrity of Cardano’s governance system.
The process is facilitated by Intersect using its Hydra-based voting platform and is designed to ensure transparency, fairness, and informed participation across the ecosystem.
About this election
The CC election determines which candidates are selected to serve as members of the Constitutional Committee.
DReps participate in a stake-weighted vote, selecting up to four candidates. The candidates receiving the highest level of support will be elected and later submitted on-chain through an Update Committee governance action. The elected members will serve a two-year term, equivalent to 146 epochs.
This election does not itself appoint members on-chain. Instead, it determines the outcome that will be reflected in a subsequent governance action submitted to the blockchain.
Final ratification remains subject to Cardano’s on-chain governance process.
Why a defined election process matters
The Constitutional Committee plays a unique role within Cardano governance. It is responsible for assessing whether governance actions comply with the Constitution, acting as a safeguard for the system as a whole.
Because of this responsibility, the selection of CC members must be:
Transparent
Structured
Accessible to the community
Grounded in clear expectations
A defined election process ensures that:
Candidates are properly vetted and operationally ready
DReps can make informed decisions based on comparable information
The ecosystem maintains continuity and avoids governance gaps
The legitimacy of the CC is reinforced through open participation
Who can apply and how many candidates will be elected
There are three types of candidates who can apply:
Individual
Organisation
Consortium
Four candidates will be selected through this election. These will replace the four Constitutional Committee credentials that expire in Epoch 653.
Roles and responsibilities
The election process separates responsibilities to ensure neutrality and accountability.
DReps (Delegated Representatives) DReps are responsible for voting. Their stake-weighted participation determines the outcome of the election.
Candidates Individuals, organisations, and consortia may register as candidates. All candidates must provide governance statements, demonstrate constitutional understanding, and submit valid on-chain credentials.
Intersect Intersect facilitates the process by providing the voting platform, coordinating timelines, verifying applications, and supporting operational execution. Intersect does not control the outcome.
Civics Committee Provides oversight of the process, including review of edge cases such as incomplete or non-genuine applications.
Ensuring a fair and transparent process
Several mechanisms are in place to support integrity:
Mandatory credential verification prior to candidacy approval
Public candidate profiles for transparency
Stake-weighted voting aligned with Cardano governance
Locked profiles during voting to prevent changes
Independent audit of results
Clear separation between facilitation and decision-making
Sensitive information, such as contact details, is kept private and is not exposed publicly.
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