Single Secret Leader Election in Proof-of-Stake Blockchains: A Concise Review

Abstract

Proof-of-stake$(\text{PoS})$consensus mechanisms are a scalable, energy-efficient alternative to Proof-of-Work$(\text{PoW})$in blockchain technology. Leader election, which selects the node to propose the next block, is key to$\text{PoS}$systems. SSLE protocols improve efficiency and security by choosing a single leader and keeping their identity secret until the block proposal. This overview reviews key SSLE protocols, discussing their core ideas, features, and trade-offs. It aims to provide a comprehensive review of SSLE research and evaluate the pros and cons of various approaches.