Gen Z’s digital vote: How Discord shaped Nepal’s interim government

Nepal has entered a turbulent new chapter after nationwide protests forced Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and several ministers to resign, paving the way for an unprecedented experiment in digital democracy.

The demonstrations, led largely by young Nepalis frustrated with corruption, unemployment, and a controversial ban on social media platforms, escalated into deadly unrest that left dozens dead and government buildings in flames.

In the political vacuum that followed, activists turned to the U.S.-based chat platform Discord to debate and vote on who should serve as interim leader. After days of online polling and heated discussions, former Supreme Court chief justice Sushila Karki emerged as the consensus candidate.

At 73, Karki became Nepal’s first woman to serve as prime minister, tasked with steering the country toward elections scheduled for March 2026.

Known for her rulings against corruption, including the conviction of a serving communications minister, Karki is seen by many as a figure of integrity in a political system long criticized for instability.

Since abolishing its monarchy in 2008, Nepal has cycled through 14 governments, reflecting deep institutional challenges.