# Delegate Endorsement

**Delegate Endorsement** is a feature introduced to the IoTeX Network that allows aspiring Delegates to participate in governance and consensus without directly meeting the self-staking requirement of 1.2 million IOTX tokens. By leveraging endorsements from other stakeholders, this system fosters inclusivity, decentralization, and broader participation within the IoTeX ecosystem.

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### Key Features

#### For Delegates

* **Participation Without Self-Stake:** Aspiring Delegates can now register and accept endorsements from stakeholders to meet the 1.2M IOTX staking requirement.
* **Streamlined Process:** Delegates register with a 100 IOTX fee and can accept endorsement requests without needing to self-stake.
* **Governance Inclusion:** Gain eligibility to participate in consensus and governance, contributing to the network’s direction.

#### For Endorsers

* **Support Delegates:** Stake IOTX to endorse aspiring Delegates, enabling them to join the consensus process.
* **Earn Rewards:** Endorsers share in block rewards and bonuses based on the endorsement agreement.
* **Flexible Staking Options:** Stake endorsement buckets with customizable durations, including auto-stake options for rewards.

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### How It Works

#### Roles and Operations

**Delegates**

* **Register Without Bucket:** Register as a Delegate by paying 100 IOTX. Initially, Delegates are not eligible for consensus.
* **Accept Endorse Requests:** Delegates can accept endorsement requests from Endorsers, unlocking eligibility to participate in consensus.
* **Terminate Endorsement:** Delegates can terminate endorsements as needed.

**Endorsers**

* **Stake Endorsement Bucket:** Create endorsement buckets by staking at least 1.2M IOTX for a chosen duration.
* **Submit Endorse Request:** Propose endorsements to Delegates. Once accepted, the bucket becomes locked for the endorsement period.
* **Revoke or Cancel Endorsement:** Endorsers can revoke active endorsements or cancel pending requests.

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#### Endorsement Process

1. **Delegate Registration:**
   * Delegates register with a 100 IOTX fee.
   * Registered Delegates are not eligible for consensus until endorsed.
2. **Endorsement Bucket Creation:**
   * Endorsers stake at least 1.2M IOTX to create an endorsement bucket.
   * Buckets can have customizable staking durations, with options for auto-stake bonuses.
3. **Endorsement Request Submission:**
   * Endorsers select a bucket and propose an endorsement to a Delegate.
   * The endorsement includes an expiration date, determining the period for which the Delegate can participate in consensus.
4. **Accepting the Endorsement:**
   * Delegates accept the request, and the bucket becomes locked until the endorsement is terminated.
   * The Delegate is now eligible to participate in consensus.
5. **Termination:**
   * Endorsements can end through expiration, revocation, or Delegate termination.
   * A protection period ensures smooth transitions for both parties.

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### Benefits

#### For Delegates

1. **Accessible Participation:** No need to own 1.2M IOTX tokens to join the network.
2. **Reputation Building:** Gain visibility and credibility by securing endorsements from stakeholders.
3. **Focus on Governance:** Participate in consensus without managing self-staked assets.

#### For Endorsers

1. **Reward Opportunities:** Earn rewards through block production, bonuses, and negotiated agreements with Delegates.
2. **Active Governance:** Influence network direction by empowering credible Delegates.
3. **No Node Management:** Participate without the technical or operational burden of running a node.

| **Staking Method**      | **Rewards**          | **Requirements**       | **Risks**                                |
| ----------------------- | -------------------- | ---------------------- | ---------------------------------------- |
| **Self-Stake Delegate** | 1.06x rewards        | Run a node + 1.2M IOTX | Full self-responsibility                 |
| **Endorse Delegate**    | Negotiable (\~1.06x) | 1.2M IOTX stake        | Potential penalty if Delegate misbehaves |
| **Vote Delegate**       | 1x rewards           | Small token amounts    | Minimal risks                            |

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### Rewards Distribution

* Rewards come from block rewards, foundation bonuses, and epoch bonuses.
* Endorsers receive their share of rewards based on the endorsement bucket, which also benefits from the self-stake bonus (1.06x).
* Reward splits between Delegates and Endorsers are arranged off-chain.

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### Implementation Notes

* **Compatibility:** The endorsement mechanism integrates seamlessly with IoTeX’s existing staking system.
* **Security:** Endorsement locking ensures stability and protects against abrupt changes.
* **Flexibility:** The ability to revoke endorsements with a protection period balances stability with adaptability.

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### Get Started

1. Visit [stake.iotex.io](https://stake.iotex.io) to explore Delegate Endorsement.
2. Register as a Delegate or create an endorsement bucket to support the IoTeX ecosystem.
3. Shape the future of IoTeX with greater inclusivity and decentralization!

For detailed discussions and updates, visit the [Delegate Endorsement Forum Thread](https://community.iotex.io/t/iip-25-delegate-endorsement/11142).