PANews reported on May 25th that Polkadot announced on its X platform that OpenGov is voting on a major change to the network's staking architecture. Referendum 1890 proposes that validators on Polkadot must lock at least 10,000 DOT as self-staking. This reform is a mandatory prerequisite for the next phase of staking upgrades, which include exemption from staking for nominators and faster unbinding (approximately 24-48 hours instead of 28 days). The logic is to allow validators to directly absorb staking risk through significant self-staking exposure, while nominators can continue to earn staking rewards without exposing their principal. If passed, Polkadot staking will eliminate two major barriers to participation, thereby reducing the risk for nominators and shortening exit times.