Nepal’s Youth Just Chose a Prime Minister on Discord: Here’s How It Happened

Sushila S Karki, a former Supreme Court justice, was appointed as Nepal's interim Prime Minister on September 12. This followed a week of intense youth-led protests that led to the ousting of the KP Sharma Oli government. The country is set to hold elections on March 5, 2026, to choose the next government and prime minister. Karki's appointment marks her as the first woman to assume this role in Nepal.

The protests in Nepal began as a social media movement against the lifestyles of "nepo kids." However, they escalated into violence after Prime Minister Oli banned social media apps that didn't comply with government regulations. Security forces responded with tear gas and gunfire as protesters set fire to politicians' homes and government buildings, including the parliament. Reuters reported at least 51 deaths and 1,300 injuries during these events.

Photo Credit: AI Generated

Discord's Role in Political Change

The method of Karki's appointment has drawn attention, particularly due to the involvement of Discord, a platform often described as "Slack for Gamers." Protesters used Discord to conduct an informal vote in her favour. Discord is an instant messaging service with VoIP capabilities that allows users to communicate through text messages, voice and video calls, and media sharing.

Founded by Jason Citron and Stanislav Vishnevskiy in 2015, Discord initially targeted gamers but has since expanded its reach. The platform allows users to create virtual community chat rooms called "servers," accessible via invitation links. Despite its gaming origins, Discord now serves over 200 million monthly users across various interests.

Key Features of Discord

Discord offers several features that enhance user experience. Users can access it through browsers or dedicated apps on mobile and desktop devices. They can create unique usernames and connect with friends using these names. Servers act like specialised communities where users can discuss topics ranging from politics to gaming.

Text channels facilitate written discussions among members, while voice channels allow spoken conversations without the need for a host like Zoom calls require. Screen sharing is another feature popular among gamers for showcasing gameplay or hosting watch parties during the pandemic.

Nepal's Use of Discord for Leadership Selection

The recent protests were distinct from previous ones due to their decentralised nature across multiple cities without a central organising group. Social media platforms like Discord played a crucial role in coordinating activities. ABC News Australia noted that protesters were unprepared for the swift outcome of their efforts.

A particular Discord server with over 100,000 members became central to discussions about leadership following Oli's resignation on September 9. This server was managed by Hami Nepal, an NGO known for mobilising support during disasters. The server aimed to suggest an interim leader who could oversee upcoming elections.

Consensus on Sushila Karki

The server's members considered several candidates before reaching a consensus on Sushila Karki. She received the most votes in an informal poll conducted on the platform. Her name was then proposed during meetings with military leaders who held de facto control in the absence of a functioning government.

Karki secured approval from both Nepal's president Ram Chandra Poudel and Army chief General Ashok Raj Sigdel before her appointment was confirmed by Discord channel organisers.