SAEDNEWS: Nepal’s Gen Z defied tradition by using Discord to choose an interim prime minister, marking a first in electoral democracy, blending digital engagement, transparency, and grassroots activism — but not without challenges.
In the wake of deadly protests that ousted Nepal’s government, thousands of young people took matters into their own hands. Distrustful of mainstream politicians and disillusioned with a system marked by corruption and nepotism, they used the messaging platform Discord to select the country’s interim leader.
Organized by the Gen Z activist group Hami Nepal, the online debate took place in a server called Youth Against Corruption, with over 10,000 participants, including members of the Nepali diaspora. The discussion streamed live on YouTube, allowing another 6,000 viewers to follow in real time. After intense deliberation, former Supreme Court Chief Justice Sushila Karki was chosen to serve as Nepal’s interim prime minister.
The Discord platform enabled participants to engage directly with candidates, pose difficult questions, and collectively determine the interim leadership, reflecting a more transparent and egalitarian process than traditional political channels.
While virtual voting offered inclusivity and anonymity, it came with risks. Organizers had to guard against misinformation, infiltration, and manipulation through multiple accounts. To combat this, Hami Nepal created a dedicated “fact-check” sub-room to verify claims and debunk rumors circulating in the community.
The platform also hosted discussions on broader political issues, including corruption investigations, police reforms, university policies, and the ongoing tension over Nepal’s monarchy. Some participants even challenged the legitimacy of protest leaders, emphasizing a desire for accountability.
For many, the Discord debate represented a learning experience. Regina Basnet, a 25-year-old law graduate, described the process as “trial and error,” noting that many participants had limited understanding of parliamentary dissolution or interim governance. Yet, the collective engagement allowed young citizens to grasp complex political processes while actively shaping the outcome.
This initiative demonstrates how Nepal’s Gen Z is redefining political engagement. By combining grassroots activism with digital technology, they have created a platform that prioritizes transparency and inclusivity. Former interim prime minister Karki’s background in fighting corruption reinforced her credibility among the voters, highlighting the importance of integrity in leadership.
While Karki’s tenure is temporary, with national elections scheduled for March, the experiment signals a potential shift in democratic practices. Observers note that Gen Z’s embrace of technology may inspire similar approaches in other nations, blending civic engagement, digital literacy, and youth-led governance.
