Skip to main content

Governance Module

  • Module Name: Governance Module
  • Type/Category: Governance → Pause.sol, End.sol
  • Contract Sources:

1. Introduction​

The Governance Module contains contracts that facilitate voting, proposal execution, and voting security. On KalyChain, governance is managed through KLC staking and multisig controls.

2. Module Components​

Pause​

The Pause contract provides a delay mechanism for governance actions:

  • Delegatecall-based proxy with enforced delay
  • Scheduled function calls can only execute after waiting period
  • Protects against flash governance attacks

End (Emergency Shutdown)​

The End contract handles emergency shutdown of the KUSD Protocol:

  • Freezes all protocol operations
  • Allows users to claim collateral
  • Cancels all active auctions

ESM (Emergency Shutdown Module)​

Allows emergency shutdown to be triggered when sufficient governance tokens are deposited.

3. Key Mechanisms​

Governance Delay​

Proposal → Wait Period → Execution
              ↓
         (e.g., 48 hours)

All parameter changes must pass through the delay, giving users time to exit if they disagree.

Emergency Shutdown Process​

  1. End.cage() — Freeze the system
  2. End.cage(ilk) — Set final price for each collateral
  3. End.skim(ilk, urn) — Cancel Vault positions
  4. End.free(ilk) — Allow users to withdraw excess collateral
  5. End.thaw() — Finalize outstanding KUSD calculation
  6. End.flow(ilk) — Calculate collateral per KUSD
  7. End.pack(wad) — Deposit KUSD for redemption
  8. End.cash(ilk, wad) — Claim collateral

4. Gotchas​

Pause Contract​

  • Identity & Trust: Plans execute with the identity of the pause's proxy, not the pause itself
  • Trust the proxy address for auth schemes

Emergency Shutdown​

  • Once triggered, shutdown is irreversible
  • All running auctions are cancelled via End.snip()
  • Vault owners receive debt back including liquidation penalty already charged

5. Failure Modes​

Governance Risks​

  • Voting Gap: When votes move between proposals, small amounts can momentarily control the system
  • Uncast Spells: Proposals with accumulated votes become attractive targets

Pause Limitations​

  • No way to bypass the delay
  • Cannot modify pause storage from delegatecall
  • Pause always retains ownership of its proxy