Consensus Leader Election

Definition ∞ Consensus Leader Election is the process by which a single node or a select group of nodes is chosen to propose the subsequent block in a blockchain network. This mechanism is fundamental to maintaining order and agreement among distributed participants. It determines which participant holds the temporary authority to extend the ledger. This process is essential for securing the integrity of the chain.
Context ∞ Various blockchain protocols employ distinct leader election algorithms, such as Proof of Work (PoW) or Proof of Stake (PoS), each with differing implications for decentralization, security, and resource consumption. Recent news often addresses the fairness and security of these election processes, particularly concerning centralization risks or vulnerabilities to attack vectors in large-scale distributed networks.